Sleepless in Seattle – US Gets Pounded 4-1 by Belgium in Round of 16
Wow I am going to admit I did not expect to see what we so painfully watched in Seattle. We didn’t get beat we got slaughtered at home. An unbelievable march of over 5,000 followed the beating drums of the American Outlaws thru the streets of downtown Seattle on way to the stadium – a stadium where the US had never lost. a Full house of over 70K cheered and sang but just 40 seconds in Belgium had a great shot turned back by Freese. Six minutes later Belgium’s Raskin brought it down the left wing crossed and youngster Charles de Keteraere overpowered Capt Tim Ream to start the onslaught. The US answered with this magical freekick by Malik Tillman that wrong footed the world’s best Goalkeeper Courtois, only to have the same thing happen 2 minutes later as Belgium again came down the wing crossed and the same guy de Ketelaere embarrased our Capt Ream again as he lept over him for the 2nd goal. The US pushed and had more possession as they pushed for the 2nd half equalizer but still could barely get a shot on goal. Belgium literally intercepted every single pass we made in the middle of the field – Pulisic gave up the ball a record 15 times in the first half alone as the US could barely string 3 passes together once in the final half of the field. Still there was hope just 1 goal down until Tim Ream and Freese had a middle school moment as Freese tried to control a long pass out of the box and had is stripped from him outside the box. A bumbling Ream let his man by to steal from Freese then let the ball roll right past him as he tripped on himself and watched it roll into the goal ending any chance the US had of a winning in the 57th minute. The US was outshot 15-7, 7-2 shots on goal, &
Before the tournament started I said that the round of 16 would be a good World Cup for the United States and the round of 8 would be a great World Cup for the United States. It turns out I was right about that. I am disappointed because this team made me believe they were capable of more than the typical round of 16 finish. When they blew out Paraguay, (the best I have ever seen us look) beat Australia with ease, and their backups tied with Turkey into the 98th minute- I thought this team was different. When Balogun got a red card, and they responded by not only holding Bosnia Herzegovina scoreless, but getting another goal, I thought this team was different. They scored 10 goals. The United States never scores 10 goals in a World Cup. Yes the group stage teams were weaker this time, but other countries had weaker group stage opponents as well and most didn’t score as many goals as the United States. I was super excited and it turns out overconfident. Then they had their first test against an elite team, a team in the top 10 – they not only failed – the got embarrassed. They didn’t execute well and they made mistakes they normally don’t make. In fairness, Belgium had a lot to do with that. They are an elite team and they forced some of those mistakes. I would say overall this World Cup was bittersweet as a Team USA fan. I definitely think they have made a lot of progress compared to 4 years ago and I think Pochettino should be retained if he wants to return for 2 years until the Copa America. It is also obvious that the USA has a long way to go before they will be an elite team. Will they ever get there? I don’t know. Our nation’s best athletes still play Football and Basketball over Soccer. I do think it is possible, but it is going to take 7 or 8 players with the talent level of Malik Tillman and Folarin Balogun, Pulisic & McKinney & Adams and a much better defense. Chris Richards held down the fort well – but I told you Tim Ream would cost us come the Round of 16 when we would have to play a better team and he was absolutely exposed. (I love Tim Ream – have his Fulham jersey in my closet) but he’s 38 and runs like he’s 45. We had to get Trusty in there earlier each game to get him ready come Sweet 16 time. Instead Poch gave him the Captain’s band forcing the start each game with Ream. And he paid him back by letting the backup Belgium forward school him twice in front of goal – before being involved in that Farce with Freese for the 3rd goal. Ream and Freese combined – led to a horrific mistake and just poor all-around Goalkeeping & Defending.
Let’s be honest Pulisic is never healthy and he is NOT Captain America – he’s no longer even our best player as McKinney & Adams are both better at their positions that Pulisic is. He is inconsistent and he is injury prone and honestly he should probably be a super sub in the future because he can’t go 90. Balogun, Tillman, Freeman along with Adams, McKinney, Dest are the future of this team.
Down to 8 – The Quarterfinals
The Magical Ole Ballcoach Tour across the West with the US ended with a Wimper in Seattle
So its over – a little earlier than I thought – I truly thought I would be retuning to LA for 1 more game on Friday – a blowout loss to Spain in the Quarterfinals. Tying the best the US had ever done. But alas no – while the fans showed up -sold out 70K strong and the loudest and largest March to the Stadium by the American Outlaws ever. The team simply did not show up – playing by far their worst game of the World Cup. Us in San Fran
So many to thank on this wonderful – trek with the US team – first my daughter Courtney – who not only let me crash in her apartment for close to a month – but accompanied me all over this state to each and every game sometimes paying for them. 🙂 To her friends in LA who welcomed this old man on our forays around town to watch World Cup games where the fans were.
To our family Dee Dee and Daryl Beliel in Seattle who allowed us to crash at their place while driving us places all over town. To my wife Karen who put up with me being gone and spending all our money on this trip. To my Soccer buddy Bart who allowed us to buy his US supporter Tickets – since he was out of town on a cruise. Without you Bart – we don’t get 3 of the 5 tickets to games we went to. I owe you beers the rest of our lives! To the American Outlaws – who set up all the parties the night before and day of the games – providing the backbone of our support from game to game – city to city. You helped us find 2 tickets to Seattle when we had none just 1 day before gametime.
To all you US supporters who came along for the ride – I met so many people from across the country from Maine to North Carolina to Florida and Minn, Chicago, Texas, Kansas, and of course California and Seattle. You came across this great country of ours just like me – spending whatever it took to get in and support our team. To the guy who finally played Country Roads after our win in Seattle the 2nd game – I had been trying to get the Outlaw Marchers to sing both that song and Don’t Stop Believing on the way in — and to hear that song sung by 70K of my closest US fans – well its gonna bring tear’s to my eyes every time I hear it from now on. To Dan and Shey on the first game – who sang the National Anthem – so our fans could sing along – another time of extreme pride and tears in my eyes – as I held my AO Indy Scarf over my head while singing as loud as I could next to my daughter. These are all things I will never forget! We honestly fell one game short of what I thought we would – but still the experience was something I will never forget. The World Cup – what a sport, what fans, what excitement and fun. Perhaps see you in Brazil for the ladies in 2027. (Don’t let my wife see this).
Shane & Courtney from our seats in Seattle for the last game (4-1) behind us,
TV Schedule
Thurs, July 9Quarter Finals 4 pm Fox Fri , July 10 Quarter Finals 3 pm Fox Belgium vs Spain 8 pm Prime Orlando Pride vs KC Current NWSL 8 pm HBO Max Racing Louisville vs Bay FC NWSL Sat, July 11 Quarter Finals 5 pm Fox Norway (Erland) vs England (Kane) 6:30 pm Ion NC Courage vs Washington Spirit (Rodman) 7 pm ESPN+ Detroit City vs Indy 11 9 pm Fox Argentina (Messi) vs Switzerland 8:45 pm Ion San Diego Wave vs Angel City (Thompson) Sun, July 12 4 pm ESPN Seattle Reign vs Portland Thornes Tues , July 14 Semi – Finals 3 pm Fox Semi 1 Weds , July 15 Semi – Finals 3 pm Fox Semi 2 Sat, July 18 5 pm Fox 3rd place game Sun, July 19 3 pm Fox WC FINAL All games on Fox, FS1 & Telemundo
Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois admitted that they used the disrespect they felt by Americans as fuel before the game. And he also said Senegal are a better team than the USMNT. After everything that went on in the last couple of days, Belgium came out firing from the opening whistle last night. They also did the U.S. President Donald Trump’s dance both on the pitch and in the dressing room after the game. “The kind of disrespect we received in recent days — that’s no longer the same team,” Courtois said about Belgium. “We proved that we’re still a good team and that you can never take anything for granted at a World Cup. “Honestly, when I read those things [that Americans said], I just laughed a little. “I understand that people wanted to give a lot of publicity to the United States, but honestly, I felt much more certain that we were going to beat the U.S. than I did against Senegal, because Senegal is a better team. “And I think that was proven.”
Goalkeeping
NWSL action returns with Wave tea party, Sophia Wilson’s 50th goal, and Trinity Rodman late game-winner
Ally Sentnor, Kennedy Fuller, and Lily Reale also make debuts for their new clubs
WEEKEND RESULTS
Washington Spirit 2-1 Houston Dash
Denver Summit 0-3 Kansas City Current
Angel City FC 2-0 Orlando Pride
North Carolina Courage 3-1 Seattle Reign
San Diego Wave 2-0 Gotham FC
Boston Legacy 2-2 Bay FC
Chicago Stars 3-2 Utah Royals
Portland Thorns 4-0 Racing Louisville
FIRSTS
Michelle Cooper scored her first NWSL brace to lead the Current to a win
Bay’s Claire Hutton scored not only her first club goal but her first NWSL goal
Kennedy Fuller (Bay FC), Ally Sentnor (Angel City FC), and Lily Reale (Boston Legacy FC) all made their club debuts after recent transfers
CELLY CORNER
San Diego’s Melanie Barcenas broke out a timeless celly in honor of the GOAT’s birthday. After scoring her third goal of the season, Mel B hit ‘em with a sip of tea à la Alex Morgan. Bottom’s up!
COMING UP…
Rivals Face Off
Is there anything better than a good rivalry? No, there isn’t.
NWSL Rivarly Week presented by Ally is coming up, and it’s a three match slate that will set the tone for the rest of the season.The first place San Diego Wave host Angel City FC for the next SoCal Derby It’s always fun when San Diego and Angel City face off, but with both coming off shutout wins, neither one will want to give up an inch of momentum. The Cascadia Rivalry returns to Seattle. The Thorns are coming off a stunning 4-0 win that got everyone involved while the Reign are had a tough go of it in North Carolina. It would be quite the statement to win at home against a bitter foe. Finally, Gotham FC and the Washington Spirit are set to make history at Citi Field on July 15 in a 2025 NWSL Championship rematch. With Gotham set to make the move to Queens in 2028, it’s a great way to kick off a new era.
Man how lucky am I that I get to be here for these World Cup US Games. I proudly sing our National anthem with 70,000 Americans and players and it tears me up each time kind of like this guy Anthem. This team IS AMERICA (click)- a collection of players from all over this country: NY to California, St Louis to Florida and Texas (McKinney story). Sons of American servicemen who grew up overseas but are as American as us. Must Read story from the New York Times about how this team’s World Cup run is bringing our divided nation together (read below). Man what a time we had in San Fran. San Fran post game – I am going to admit each time we play Country Roads post game I swing and sing with my daughter Courtney and a tear comes to my eyes. To see the success for a team I have rooted for since before 1990 is just incredible and to see our country embrace not only this team but the sport I have loved since I first played as a 7th grader is wonderous (31 Million Watched). I wish my whole family was with us. Next step Seattle – we’ll arrive Sunday for the Monday 8 pm game. Go USA!
USA Beats Bosnia 2-0, Plays Belgium in Seattle Mon 8 pm
Wow! Talk about grit, fight and a never say will to win – this US team has it all. A gutsy 2-0 win over a scrappy, somewhat dirty Bosnia squad that was ready to in a low block (9 behind the ball) to try to frustrate the young US squad. (highlights) The US scored on a lovely Balogun run – only to have his goal called back for offsides. Late in the first half with a spectacular change of pace adjustment by Balogun – the US was on the board. It was a totally dominant first half with 80+ percent possession for the US and only 1 long range shot by Bosnia. The second have brought more ball control for the US before Balogun was sent off for a questionable Red Card play when he accidently stepped on a Bosnian’s foot. (See the arguments below Red Card Yes). The US was back to the wall at the 65 Minute mark, down to 10 men with 30 minutes to play. (In the Copa America 2 summers ago – a red card meant death to the US team as they conceded 2 goals to Panama to become the first home country eliminated in the Group stage ever.) Now 2 years later – with a new established foreign coach in charge – the US did not wilt. They did not even stop trying to score. With Pulisic in the middle, Dest on the left – and Tillman on the right – the US continued to push forward until they won a free kick just outside the box on the left hash mark with 15 to go. Tillman lined up and scored a Golazo (In Spanish), in English, from our seats in that endzone Poch reaction. The 2-0 lead and some controlled defense with Richards, Freeman & Ream refusing to give way – and an entire team willing to sacrifice themselves to protect our goal – and some good saves from our keeper the US held on for the win. Winning their first game over a European foe in almost 5 years, and advancing to the round of 16 for the first time since 2014. Tim Ream postgame reaction. Poch Postgame – why not us!
Again I am going to admit – I WAS WRONG. Pochitino is worth every dime we paid him to put this team into the right state of mind and help our Golden Generation begin to realize their potential. Yes I questioned everything he did in the build up to this cup – and he just said trust me – its a process. Well so far the process is working! Offensively we have been as strong as I can remember in years – combining long spans of ball control with quick strike counterattacks in lightening speed. Balogun has been the #9 we have lacked, scoring 3 goals (6 overall -3 called back on offsides). Pulisic when healthy has had space to take guys on 1 on 1, 1 on 2 and has straight beat them. McKennie & Tillman play like they have known each other forever and Tyler Adams? Well he’s Tyler Adams – one of the top #6/dmids in the EPL when healthy. GK Matt Freeze (the Harvard man) was finally tested a little vs Bosnia and made the saves he needed to make. He’s going to have to make more saves, including some spectacular ones, vs Belgium if we are going to win. The real question is who is Poch going to bring in for Balogun (who is out on Red Card suspension for this game). I think its Haji Wright finally getting his chance up top. Pepe has played hard and given supreme effort in his appearances – but he simply does not have the speed or knack to run the channels that Balo does. Wright has played with our core of Pulisic, McKinney & Adams since they were 15 years olds on our youth US teams. I think Wright and Pulisic reward Poch’s confidence by both scoring goals in the first half. The 2nd half will have Belgium legend Romeo Lukaku and we better have a lead by then. I think the US holds on 2-1 with more scrappy play – a little more counterattacking as Belgium will probably have 50-50 possession at least. I still think we are a better counter attacking team so that might just play into our hands if Pulisic can work his magic, McKennie can run his butt off again – and Adams can protect our back line. I suspect its another 3/2/3/1.
Here’s my line-up for Monday
Haji Wright Pulisic/Tillman Robinson/Adams/Mckinnie/Dest Ream/Richards/Freeman Freese
Indy 11 Host Detroit Sat 4 pm @ the Mike
Indy Eleven puts its nine-match home unbeaten streak (8-0-1) in USL Championship play over the past 10 months on the line vs. Charleston Battery in a special 4:00 p.m. kickoff on Sat. July 4 on MyINDY-TV 23 and ESPN+. dThe Boys in Blue are second in the USL-C in home wins (5) and tied for third in home goal differential (+7).
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. Here’s the current https://www.espn.com/soccer/bracket
TV Schedule
Friday, July 3rd 2 pm Fox Australia vs Egypt (Salah) 6 pm Fox Argentina (Messi) vs Cape Verde 5 pm Victory Washington Spirit (Rodman) vs Houston NWSL 9:30 pm Fox Colombia vs Ghana 10 pm Prime Angel City vs Orlando Pride NWSL Saturday, July 4 (Sweet 16) 1 pm Fox Canada (Davies) vs Morocco 5 pm Fox Paraguay vs France (Mbappe) 6:30 pm ION NC Courage vs Seattle Reign (NWSL) 7 pm Myindy Indy 11 vs Charleston Battery 8:45 pm ION San Diego Wave vs Gotham FC Sun, July 5th(Sweet 16) 12 noon ESPN Boston Legacy vs Bay FC (NWSL) 4 pm Fox Brazil (Neymar) vs Norway (Haaland) 8 pm Fox Mexico vs England (Kane) (Azteca) Mon, July 6 pm 3 pm Fox Portugal vs Spain (Dallas) 8 pm Fox,Tele USA vs Belgium Tues, July 7 12 noon Fox Argentina vs Egypt 4 pm Fox Switzerland vs Croatia Thurs, July 9 Quarter Finals 4 pm Fox Fri , July 10 Quarter Finals 3 pm Fox USA/Belgium vs Spain/Portugal 8 pm Prime Orlando Pride vs KC Current NWSL 8 pm HBO Max Racing Louisville vs Bay FC NWSL Sat, July 11 Quarter Finals 5 pm Fox W91 vs W92 6:30 pm Ion NC Courage vs Washington Spirit (Rodman) 7 pm ESPN+ Detroit City vs Indy 11 8 pm Fox W95 vs W96 8:45 pm Ion San Diego Wave vs Angel City (Thompson) Tues , July 14 Semi – Finals 3 pm Fox Semi 1 Weds , July 15 Semi – Finals 3 pm Fox Semi 2 Sat, July 18 5 pm Fox 3rd place game Sun, July 19 3 pm Fox WC FINAL All games on Fox, FS1 & Telemundo
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View of The Game After our first game, I felt like this was the best USMNT of my lifetime. It was hard to tell much after the games against Australia and Turkiye, but this match left zero doubt this is indeed the best we’ve ever looked. Realistically, BH is not at the level of the teams in front of us. Our likely path to the title is Belgium, Spain, France, Argentina. Yikes. However, we played outstanding in a game we were expected to win, and we were fearless and positive even after going a man down. We have quality in every position, we play the ball quickly, and most importantly, we make runs and move around for one another. In other words, we play as a TEAM. Sorry, England fans, you guys have way better players at every position, but you guys stand around and wait for the greatness of Harry Kane to bail you out. The Balogen red card. Ugh. I hate that call (obviously). Balogen is not a dirty player. 100% there was zero intent- it was a simple coming together. I don’t think anyone even noticed anything in real time. However, that was a very nasty challenge. Raking your cleat on the opponents ankle and then coming down with your weight is how bones are broken and ligaments snap. In the same way that the red card to Paraguay’s Almiron for covering his mouth when talking to opponent was something all the players were aware of, players know that intent has nothing to do with it and a challenge like that is a straight red. These are designed to protect players, and defenders are routinely trained on how to go into challenges for this exact reason. Balogen as a forward probably does a lot less of this training. We will very much miss him against Belgium as no one else on the roster has the pace up front that Balogen has (ugh). But let’s bask in the glory of this win. That free kick from Tillman is as much of a referendum on how far we’ve come as anything we’ve seen this tournament. To get that over the wall and to dip down on frame is an impossibly difficult task. The ideal position for a free kick is actually about 4-5 yards further away from the goal for this reason. We’ve never had a player in our pool that could execute a shot like that when it matters. Finally, Weston McKennie might be the most fit player at this world cup. It’s not just the running he does for the ball- it’s all the runs he’s willing to make where the chances of him receiving the ball are well under 50% that makes him a marvel. But it’s those runs that create the space for his teammates, and the discerning eye notices. We see you, WM. And we salute you.
The World Cup gives America a unified look. The rest is complicated
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — We wear the same jersey. One size fits all, for a change, with clashing accents that we make match.We paint our faces and drape the flag across our shoulders, some like a cape, others like a shawl. We show up, loud and unashamed, suddenly immune to the rage baiters and social media bots. We find, for a moment, something better than ourselves. And then we act bigger than ourselves.A woman wears a bald eagle costume and flaps red, white and blue wings from the upper deck at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium. A man perches a toddler on his shoulders, the boy’s striped face an American canvas of potential. A girl holds a handcrafted “We Believe” sign on a poster half her size.In downtown San Jose, Patricia Vo cheers in bustling San Pedro Square, standing in the middle of a kind of joy that she envisioned to get through three surgeries and eight rounds of chemotherapy. Naseem Farooqi bounds out of the stadium after a 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, draped in an American flag, cowboy hat and boots. He lights a cigar as soon as he clears the exit. Dressed in a USA crop top and flag-colored socks to her knees, Robin Roettger completes her look by sporting the shell of a soccer ball across her stomach, making it seem like she is with child. She stands with her mother, who is bedecked as the Statue of Liberty.These people look silly. These people look fabulous.
This United States fan is flying high at San Francisco Bay Area StadiumDavid Gonzales / Imagn Images
These are images of America, at 250 years old, hosting the world’s grandest sporting event and partying like it’s 1776. But the jersey has never been just a jersey. It is a visual manifesto of a complicated country, and in the upkeep of long-recited ideals, it becomes a battleground. The politics of exclusion have infiltrated these colors, this flag, narrowing perspectives about who counts as a real American and who does not. In response, the politics of inclusion have turned to elitist derision, partly as a shield, but that only makes it easier to exile the faction from national pride.This World Cup has become a bridge. It is not ideal to host a world reunion during a family feud, but it has been beneficial. The event has created a reprieve, delivering us from division and reminding us that patriotism can be inviting. Before large crowds that contain multitudes, the U.S. men’s national team takes the field, striving the way we are supposed to strive. And for a 90-minute respite, the arguing stops.This is not a constraining pride, either. A warm welcome has not been universal, but it has been prevalent. Some nations — such as Iran, whose team captain called this “a disaster World Cup” — and their fans could not escape the political shadows. But most have observed the difference between the government and the people. Most have witnessed an America that wants to wrap its arms around the globe.In a viral social media video, a Scotland supporter traveling with the Tartan Army cried on a Boston sidewalk, expressing what many visitors have felt the past few weeks. When she arrived, she expected hostility from a nation with a presidential administration that antagonizes the world. She found joy.May her tears irrigate the feeling.
A powerful force
Just a couple hundred yards from a parking lot asking for $200, the men danced in front of a vendor. One was Latino, the other White. Both wore USA overalls, stars on top, stripes on the bottom. They made up a bop: “Hot dogs! (clap, clap) Hot dogs! (clap, clap) Hot dogs!” Their steps were a hilariously poor approximation of the way Kid ‘n Play moved in the 1980s. The song “Whoomp! (There It Is),” a classic from 33 summers ago, blasted in the distance.Maybe that’s how we ought to picture freedom: warm in addition to weighty, a serious human right that shouldn’t have to take itself seriously.Sports have always been a powerful social force. At their best, these games give a multicultural invitation to a monocultural experience. The shared language requires no translation, no common background, no political agreement. A goal is a goal. A comeback makes every heart in the building lurch. The electricity of 70,000 people rising and screaming in unison jolts everyone. In a fracturing nation, in a fracturing world, this is no small accomplishment. It is among the few remaining gateways to human connection.
The World Cup has spread unity and a human connection across North AmericaDarren Yamashita / Imagn Images
But the unity does not happen by accident, and no one should assume it is protected by default. Those unifying elements — passion, tribalism, a deep and generational emotional investment — can be redirected. The stadium is not immune to society. It houses a sliver of it for a few excitable hours.Over the past decade in American sports, we have experienced an unsettling amount of conflict. When Colin Kaepernick started kneeling during the national anthem in 2016, he continued an old American tradition, leveraging his visibility to demand the country meet the high standards of its stated values. It was a demonstration as quiet as it was provocative. The reaction was loud and lasting. Early in his first term, Donald Trump seized on Kaepernick’s protest and made it into a quarrel about respecting the flag, a reframing from which sports have yet to fully recover.
The toxic environment has mangled a nuanced idea: Sport can promote belonging and hold dissent at the same time. It is possible to love the jersey and question what it sometimes represents. That criticism is not apostasy. Dissent and devotion are not adversaries. At their best, they are complementary.
U.S. fans show their colors during Wednesday night’s victory against Bosnia and HerzegovinaCatherine Ivill / AMA / Getty Images
In the last 10 years, the American flag has been co-opted in a way that makes the stadium feel more like a contested territory than sacred, common ground. The danger is that it hardens from a revolutionary symbol into one of submission.In this climate, the games cannot simply profit off obsession and call it a social good. The diverse audience it cultivates deserves more than empty ceremony and strategic neutrality. This is not a demand to take political positions or a call for athletes to become activists. The ask is simpler yet harder: Refuse to let these shared spaces get overtaken by those who wish to predetermine who belongs.Halfway through this World Cup, the people have done what the institutions couldn’t. It’s the triumph of a vast fandom that keeps choosing goodwill at a time when leaders incite a supremacy relapse.You saw the Tartan Army bringing the good vibes as those supporters romped through Boston and Miami; and the Kansas marching band learning the Algerian national anthem; and the Mexicans and Brazilians who lifted the weeping Japanese fan out of his disappointment. Staging a World Cup made this possible, but it did not manufacture compassion. People did not look to the sky, see a FIFA banner claiming “Football Unites the World” and consider it a bat signal. They are the inspiration for the slogan.Marketing is not a moral position. It is a well-researched enticement. People want to gather. They want to connect. And America still values hospitality.“It’s been great to embrace other countries, and it’s been great to see that other countries really embrace America for who we are,” said Amanda Ryan, a fan from Carlsbad N.M., who has traveled to matches in several cities. “We’re not what they see on the media or on social media.“We are more.”It’s not a boast. It’s a standard, one that necessitates intention and accountability.Sport did not create all these inequities, but the enterprise must decide whether to acknowledge them or look away. That choice does not make any political insinuation. It transforms a game into an institution, a pastime into a benevolent force.
Patriotism and sports
A hundred years ago, America also threw itself a 150th party. The word sesquicentennial taunts the tongue in the way that semiquincentennial does right now. In 1926, the birthday bash featured boxing and Philadelphia, the city where the founding fathers declared independence.Governors and dignitaries attended the spectacle. Charlie Chaplin came, too. At the center of the celebration, before 120,000 who ignored the pouring rain, the most famous athlete in the country was being booed.During the infancy of American sports stardom, there was Jack Dempsey. He was among the first athletes to see the flag turned against him. The debate about sports figures and their place in a patriotic society is not new. It is at least a century old. If Dempsey were still alive, he would recognize this conflict.He sprouted from nothing, a kid from Manassa, Colo., one of 13 children, who dropped out of school and became a vagabond. He rode freight trains, strutted into mining camp saloons and challenged the patrons. He slept in spittoons and boxed under the name Kid Blackie.Then — on July 4th, of course — he won the heavyweight championship in 1919.The next day, America’s most celebrated sportswriter called him a slacker.During World War I, Dempsey had received a dependency exemption from the draft board because multiple members of his family needed support. Still, he was ridiculed as unpatriotic. Fans mocked him. Grantland Rice also wrote in The New York Tribune: “It would be an insult to every young American who sleeps today from Flanders to Lorraine, and from the Somme to the Argonne, to crown Dempsey with the laurels of fighting courage.”He was a famous athlete and an infamous American. It was not about love of country. It seldom is. Dempsey was guilty of free will.The jingoism was loud. It also lacked stamina.During that anniversary fight in September 1926, Gene Tunney ended Dempsey’s seven-year reign as heavyweight champion. Tunney, a veteran and reader of Shakespeare, was nicknamed the Fighting Marine. After 10 rounds, Dempsey lost by unanimous decision and exited with his left eye swollen shut.In a rematch the next year, Dempsey knocked down Tunney for the first time in his career. Tunney wound up winning the fight, but America favored Dempsey afterward. People thought he had been robbed. The contempt evaporated. After all that, he walked away a beloved prizefighter.
American heavyweight boxers Gene Tunney, left, and Jack Dempsey pose before their bout in 1926Topical Press Agency / Getty Images
After the Pearl Harbor attack in 1941, Dempsey joined the Coast Guard. He enlisted at age 47 and rose to commander. In 1945, he boarded a transport bound for Okinawa.
An officer told him to stay behind. They couldn’t afford to lose him.
“I go where they go,” Dempsey replied, according to biographer Roger Kahn.
Kahn captured the boxer’s thoughts on his capricious fame: “They branded me a draft dodger in World War I and a hero in World War II. They got it wrong both times.”
Neither verdict was solely about him. Society changes. The jersey doesn’t. A century later, the friction persists.
‘Something bigger’
Mauricio Pochettino, the USMNT coach who insists he is still “200 percent Argentine,” jogged toward the stands, arms outstretched. Fans leaned over the railing. Pochettino stood on the tips of his toes. At last, they slapped hands. Elvis crooned “Can’t Help Falling In Love” over the stadium sound system.Pochettino could not help it, either.“You feel part of something bigger,” he said.In short bursts of English, the coach expresses American pride better than most. Sports fandom would make an ideal mentor for patriotism. The essential characteristics are there: commitment, unity, aspiration, hope, accountability.There is little blind devotion. It is a more demanding form of love, one that expects to outlast terrible seasons and decisions and owners. You feel part of something bigger.In every country, the flag should hold similar symbolism. It is an inspiration for relentless striving — Gave proof through the nightthatour flag was still there — not an endorsement of leadership.ride is non-partisan.Division is a choice. So is unity.Look across these democratic vistas. Eleven American cities, hosting the world, each one its own argument for what this country can be when it decides to shine.What song describes the USMNT’s World Cup so far?
As “Take Me Home, Country Roads” filled the stadium Wednesday night, more than 68,000 lingered and harmonized. Weston McKennie whipped his arms through the air, conducting the crowd. As other U.S. players took laps, the crowd shifted from singing to roaring and back to singing.And there was Pochettino again, 200 percent Argentine but so very American in celebration.
“It’s impossible not to sing,” he said.We wish this feeling could last forever. We know it’s fleeting joy, but we water it still.Jerry Brewer is a senior columnist at The Athletic. He has been a prominent voice across the national sports landscape for more than two decades, including stops at The Philadelphia Inquirer, Orlando Sentinel, Louisville Courier-Journal, Seattle Times and Washington Post. He was a 2025 Pulitzer Prize finalist in commentary.
USMNT shows it can play ugly at this World Cup, which is exactly what it needs to succeed
Sam BordenJul 2, 2026, 06:44 AM ET ESPN
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — It wasn’t artistic. It wasn’t free-flowing, or creative, or the kind of soccer that makes your eyes wide and your heart race. In truth: It was ugly. And so, so beautiful.”It wasn’t a perfect day, by any means,” defender Chris Richards said. “But it was our day.”It was. The USMNT’s 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina on Wednesday night put Mauricio Pochettino’s team into the round of 16 — the bare minimum, by most pretournament standards, to consider this home World Cup a success. But if it is to go farther — to captivate this country even more and reach a quarterfinal for only the second time in history — it will need to embrace the grittiness it showed here. Knockout soccer demands it.”You do what you need to do to get a result,” Christian Pulisic said after the match.And that is exactly what the U.S. team has done. In the first match of this tournament against Paraguay, it played silky, sleek and scintillating soccer — a style so visually entertaining that midfielder Weston McKennie said it almost felt like the players were “playing pickup.”This performance, against a physical and resolute Bosnia-Herzegovina team, was braver. The Bosnia-Herzegovina defenders put hands (and sometimes shoulders, arms and feet) on every American who ran past, checking fullback Sergiño Dest and Pulisic whenever they tried to surge forward. Bosnia-Herzegovina striker Edin Dzeko set a pick on Tyler Adams that sent the U.S. midfielder sprawling and holding his neck; striker Folarin Balogun — before he scored and, also, before he was controversially sent off in the 64th minute — was grabbed, held and nudged wherever he went.Bosnia-Herzegovina’s strategy was effective, too. The U.S. completed plenty of passes and certainly controlled much of the possession, but the precision from the group stage’s best moments wasn’t there. Long balls went wayward; shorter connections were missed. Malik Tillman, who scored a gorgeous free kick eight minutes from time to give the U.S. some cushion to the scoreline, had an incredibly challenging first half in which he routinely looked out of rhythm.That the U.S. came through it all — that it adjusted and adapted, and got a little chippy when needed while still getting two balls into the back of the net — was what had Pochettino most pleased afterward.”It’s not only the victory,” he said, nearly beaming. “It’s the way that we earned the victory — how we identified the situations, when to play, when to fight, when to compete, when to be intelligent in how we defend deep and narrow. When we need to go and to press. I think the maturity of the team is amazing.”Certainly the reaction to Balogun’s sending-off reflected that. Up 1-0, that decision from the referee — a decision that Pochettino vehemently disagreed with — could have turned the game on its head.It wasn’t hard to imagine Bosnia-Herzegovina being buoyed, snagging an equalizer and taking the game to extra time and penalties. Defending a lead while playing down a man for more than half an hour has broken many teams far more experienced than this U.S. group.
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Yet the U.S. didn’t wobble — not even close. It could have been angry at the referee, or frustrated by the situation. But at the second hydration break, which came shortly after Balogun departed, the players were pragmatic.
“We just said, ‘If we really want to be a good team, we have to dig deep in moments like this,'” Pulisic said. “We’re going to have to defend and that’s OK, and pick our moments to attack. I thought we did a good job of that.”
McKennie added there was even a sense of the team embracing a challenge.
“It’s kind of an adrenaline rush whenever you do go down 10 men,” he said, “because you’re like, oh s—, if we can pull off this win and hold them to zero goals, it’s even bigger. So everyone’s running everywhere and tackling, and just making sure we keep our structure, and we don’t want to give up a goal. It would be easy to have an excuse if they did score, but that’s not the type of team we are.”
Klinsmann: USA has quality to beat Belgium without Balogun
So what type of team is this USMNT side? The type that can win different ways. The type that can feed off a home crowd’s energy. The type that believes — even without a suspended Balogun — that it will be able to beat Belgium on Monday in Seattle in whatever way is necessary. There will surely be tactical changes; losing your top scorer to a suspension requires it. But Pochettino has shown he can mold his players to different circumstances, and the players have demonstrated they are comfortable with whatever comes.Play pretty? Fine. Play nasty? No problem.That reality is the most important element to emerge from this match. And it’s what gives the players overwhelming conviction as they fly back to Seattle.”We go into this tournament feeling confident that we can make something happen and beat anybody,” Pulisic said. “This is exciting — but there’s still more that we want to accomplish.”
Malik Tillman’s bloodied, clutch free kick, and the making of an iconic USMNT World Cup moment
SEATTLE – Malik Tillman’s voice barely lifted above a whisper as he pondered what to say about his approach to the coming year.That is normal. The midfielder’s reserved personality has become somewhat of a running joke around the national team. He doesn’t project. He makes you listen closely. But when you do, you find that what he lacks in volume he makes up for in conviction.It was May 2025 and Tillman was sitting in the lobby of the Peninsula Chicago. The German-born son of an American soldier was thinking about his place in the U.S. men’s national team. He was considering what the summer might bring and thinking about past disappointments. About the pain of missinut on the 2022 World Cup.“I’ve been struggling a lot for the U.S. team,” said Tillman, who at 23 felt he still had something to prove.“It’s about showing the real me,” he told The Athletic at the time. “I know I’m a good player, but I haven’t shown it for this team yet. If it comes to scoring goals, giving assists, fighting for the team, showing the right mentality. Just all in. Showing myself.”It is hard to imagine just more than one year later how much has changed for him.Tillman took on a big role under Mauricio Pochettino at last summer’s Concacaf Gold Cup, tying for the team lead with three goals — he even missed a penalty kick in a win over Costa Rica, yet pushed on — and he carried that through a first season at German club Bayer Leverkusen and into the World Cup.His superb play has amplified his place on this national team, and on Wednesday night in the World Cup’s round of 32, his knuckling, dipping free kick against Bosnia and Herzegovina sealed his team’s place in the last 16 — and his spot in U.S. national team history.
Malik Tillman (17) watches his free kick double the 10-man USMNT’s lead at a tense time late vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina.Michael Steele / Getty Images
Still, Tillman just smiled and glanced at the ground when asked if he could ever have imagined it one year ago. Then he spoke with that near-whisper voice.“Not really,” he said, as the media hoard craned their necks and reached their recorders closer to hear him in the mixed zone. “I think even yesterday I would (have said) no. But I’ve been dreaming about this game (as a kid). I’ve been dreaming about maybe taking a free kick and scoring a free kick. And then, like I said, I trained this in practices.”Tillman stood in that mixed zone with no shoes, his right sock ripped at the toe and bloodied. A Bosnian player stomped on his foot during the game, ripping through his cleat and socks.“I was in pain,” he said. “My shoe was cut. So this is why I changed the boot.”Then, in his new cleats, he lined up a free kick in the 82nd minute.The stakes were the highest in his career. The U.S., nursing a 1-0 lead, had been reduced to 10 men after Folarin Balogun’s red card, and Bosnia was threatening to pull level. But after Sergiño Dest drew a foul to set up the set piece, on the field, there wasn’t clarity among those around him regarding the best way to hit it. The ball was only 19 yards out. Getting it up and over the wall would be difficult.“We talked about going under the wall, we talked about going keeper side, we talked about going over the wall,” Tillman recounted. “And now I know some guys doubted me to go over the wall. But I practiced this in training.”That might be underselling it.Tillman has spent hours on the training field after team sessions during this World Cup practicing free kicks. The team uses Trackman technology to learn about his spin rate and the trajectory of his free kicks.“It’s kind of like golf, to be honest with you,” U.S. attacking midfielder Brenden Aaronson said. “The spin rate, the dip rate, all that type of stuff.”Tillman made the most of his reps. U.S. training goalkeepers Andrew Rick and Julian Eyestone, youth internationals not on the World Cup squad but getting a taste of the experience, stayed out on the field until he and his teammates were done.“He’s probably taken 150 to 200 free kicks since we’ve been here,” said midfielder Sebastian Berhalter, who often takes set pieces when he is on the field for the U.S. “And it’s something he does almost every day. It’s me, him and a couple other guys, and we talk about it, we go through it. And to see him hit that — it’s how you execute. Executing that under that pressure speaks volumes to the type of player he is, honestly.”Tillman worked tirelessly on a side-foot technique that could help the ball knuckle and move differently. Over the course of the sessions, he started to get better at it. And in the biggest moment, he went with that technique to deliver the U.S.’s first direct free kick goal in a World Cup since Eric Wynalda scored against Switzerland on home soil in 1994.
Malik Tillman’s USMNT teammates join in the cathartic celebration after his free kick (John Todd / ISI Photos / Getty Images).
“It’s so hard to hit that technique — people don’t understand how hard that is,” Berhalter said. “To deliver in that moment is incredible.”
The moment was so enormous for the host country that Tillman’s ripped right cleat was shipped off to the FIFA Museum in Zurich.
For Tillman, the cleat and bloodied sock were a sideshow to the moment. The goal was the latest example of what has become a breakout summer for a midfielder who not long ago wondered if he’d ever find a role on this team. Now, he has earned validation of everything he had been determined to prove.
“I’d argue other than (Balogun’s) goals, he’s been one of our best players,” U.S. captain Tim Ream said. “Everywhere on the field doing the dirty things, but then making hard things look easy.
“He just wanted to feel like he had a place. And he’s a quiet kid, but he’s just come on leaps and bounds. That Gold Cup was really huge for him. I think the adversity of the Costa Rica game penalty was really big for him. And now you look at him, and he looks like he’s just playing with such an ease and a calmness. And he’s all over the place.
“He’s had that in him all this time. It was just a matter of him finding the confidence and him believing in himself, and he’s doing that now.”
How can USMNT win without Folarin Balogun? Look how Mauricio Pochettino replaced Harry Kane
Mauricio Pochettino, left, gets a celebratory hug from an injured Harry Kane after success in the 2019 Champions League semifinals Craig Mercer / MB Media / Getty Images
SAN JOSE, Calif. — The star striker is sidelined. The stakes are immense. And Mauricio Pochettino steps into a spotlight.It sounds like 2026, like the challenge facing the United States World Cup team after Folarin Balogun’s red card Wednesday night in a 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina.But it is not. It’s April 2019. And this, a seven-year-old scene that suddenly feels pertinent, is evidence that Pochettino, now the U.S. men’s national team coach, has been here before.ochettino, then at English club Tottenham Hotspur, was preparing for a Champions League quarterfinal decider, perhaps the biggest game he’d ever coached. And the week before, he’d lost his leading scorer, Harry Kane, to an ankle injury. “It’s very, very sad,” he’d said.But when he walked into a news conference on the eve of this decisive second leg against Manchester City, he was calm, confident, even jovial.“We have the belief,” he said, “and we will be strong.”And sure enough, the following day, Tottenham stunned Man City. Kane’s backup, Fernando Llorente, scored the pivotal goal off the bench. A second forward, Son Heung-min, scored two as Spurs triumphed on an unforgettable night in Manchester.“Of course, (it’s) better to play with all the players fit and available,” Pochettino said afterward. “(But) you know, football is about the squad, it’s about the collective effort. It’s a collective sport.”A few weeks later, in the semifinals, that collective also stunned Ajax. Pochettino started Son and Lucas Moura, both natural wingers, as a makeshift front two. Moura scored a second-half hat trick to complete a three-goal comeback and send Tottenham, an oft-overshadowed club with a decade-long trophy drought, to its first Champions League final.
Son Heung-min and Lucas Moura show their disbelief after a famous result vs. Ajax in the 2019 UEFA Champions League semifinalsSimon Hofmann / UEFA / Getty Images
Pochettino leapt and ran euphorically onto the field. He eventually fell to his knees, overcome with emotion. And he proved the point he’ll surely try to make this week.
Yes, the USMNT will miss Balogun when it faces Belgium in the World Cup’s round of 16 on Monday. But it will adapt and can still rise to the occasion.His U.S. players were already sending that message Wednesday night, because it’s one that Pochettino has been preaching for more than a year.“We’re definitely a team, we’re more than just one player, we’re more than just 11 players,” defender Chris Richards said Wednesday night.It’s the message Pochettino sent during the second-half hydration break, minutes after Balogun was shown the controversial red card. “We need to show we are a team, that we are united,” Pochettino said. “That was the moment to show to everyone, to show ourselves, that it’s not only empty words when we say we are a family.”When asked who would replace Balogun in Monday’s starting lineup, Pochettino gave nothing away.USMNT will face Belgium without Folarin Balogun
And in this sense, the 2019 precedent offers few, if any, hints. Circumstances, personnel, tactics and opponents are distinct. Back then, Pochettino had one set of options to replace Kane; now he has another set. He has Ricardo Pepi or Haji Wright as something resembling like-for-like replacements. He has Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie, two attacking midfielders who’ve played up front for their clubs. Moura doesn’t really help us guess which one he will pick — although a setup with Pulisic and McKennie up top, and an extra midfielder beneath them, similar to the team’s alignment against Portugal in March, feels most analogous.It’s the concept, however, that is most relevant. The Spurs example helps explain his mindset and approach — one that’s been at the heart of his USMNT rebuild.He has preached to his players that individual names get dwarfed by the collective, that “culture eats strategy for breakfast,” as he told them back in October, relaying a quote first shared with him by Chick-Fil-A chairman Dan Cathy.“This is one of his biggest things — the team culture, the team togetherness, is stronger than any individual,” U.S. midfielder Brenden Aaronson told The Athletic at the time. “If we’re a team, and we can play like a team, then we can beat anybody.”That’s why Pochettino took offense some nine years ago when Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola referred to Tottenham as “the Harry Kane team.”“It’s a sad comment,” Pochettino said at the time. “It was very disrespectful for many people.”AdvertisementHe’d later say that it “didn’t sit well with us because it seemed to diminish the work of the group,” which is part of why there was “enormous value” in Tottenham’s upset of City in the 2019 Champions League.
Folarin Balogun does LeBron James’ silencer celebration after scoring vs. Bosnia but won’t be available to face Belgium on MondayMaja Hitij / FIFA / Getty Images
Seven years later, to be clear, no one is describing the USMNT as “the Folarin Balogun team.”
But similar questions are coming. Balogun has elevated the U.S. with his off-ball movement and goalscoring. None of his backups can stretch and threaten Belgium as he could.
Within the team, though, there is a confidence instilled over many months. It has become almost automatic. It was evident when Pulisic missed time during the World Cup group stage with a calf injury. It reappeared instantly on Wednesday night.
“I mean, of course he’s a great player, he’s our top scorer so far, we’re gonna miss him,” midfielder Malik Tillman said of Balogun. “But I think we have great players who can replace him, give the best they can, and hopefully score some goals for us.”
Richards added: “We’re a team of 26, not just one. Ultimately, we’re gonna miss him for the next game, but we know that if it’s Pepi, or Haji, or whoever (else), they’re gonna do their job just as well as he did.”
And even with Balogun suspended, without any mechanism to appeal, Pochettino reiterated his message to players in a postgame locker-room speech.
“Everything is possible, guys,” he said. “Everything is possible.”
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.
Analysing Cristiano Ronaldo’s reaction to Portugal substitution: ‘Ego, professionalism and love of his country’
Cristiano Ronaldo greeting head coach Roberto Martinez as he leaves the pitch Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images
With Portugal and Croatia level entering the final 10 minutes of their round of 32 tie, Roberto Martinez sprung a surprise when he substituted Cristiano Ronaldo.The Portugal head coach has stuck with Ronaldo as his focal point in attack throughout his reign, even as calls have grown louder — including in this tournament — to move on from him.Yet at a pivotal point in the game, he removed him from the action, even though Ronaldo had kept his composure to score Portugal’s equaliser from the spot. Moments before that penalty kick, he had reminded everybody of his quality with a smart touch and finish. The only problem is that he was marginally offside.Only Ronaldo can speak to how he was feeling in these moments, but it is not difficult to look at how the Al-Nassr forward reacted and imagine what he was thinking when he saw his number up on the substitutes board.
It’s a reaction that is relatively common among elite players. They never want to come off the pitch regardless of the situation. Mohamed Salah, for example, is another player at the top of the game who isn’t scared to hide his feelings when he has to make his way to the touchline.
It seemed to take a moment for Ronaldo to register that he was actually being taken off as he took a couple of deliberate steps before eventually beginning to remove his captain’s armband.
That was then the cameras zoomed in on his face, and if there was any doubt about whether he was fine with the decision, that was eliminated…
…as we watched the realisation set in.
“To me it reads as internal conflict in the best possible way,” says sports psychologist Marc Sagal, the founder of The Winning Mind, who has worked extensively with top teams in the Premier League and beyond.“On one hand, he couldn’t possibly want to come off. His whole identity and being is about being competing on centre stage in the biggest moments. On the other hand, as much as he is about himself, as many great athletes must be, he loves his team and his country and knows the world is watching. He must have, in that moment, also wanted to show his ability to put others before himself.”ToWe see that play out in plain sight when Ronaldo pauses just as he is about to walk off and turns away from the touchline, as if he is still coming to terms with the decision made by his manager.
“You have to be careful attributing intent to a walk if you’re asking if the slow exit was to make a point,” says Sagal. “What I will say is that players at his level know every second of an exit is filmed, and the world could see he didn’t want to come off – the world saw his face.
“What I noticed in addition to his expression was what he did next. I didn’t see it so much as a protest, but as a raw emotional response paired with a professional obligation.”
It would have also been dawning on Ronaldo that he was potentially experiencing his final seconds at a World Cup because the game was finely poised. Croatia had the momentum, and he was now going to have no influence or control on the outcome.
Sagal referenced career mortality looming large over a number of the world’s greatest players at this World Cup. International retirement is being rumoured for Ronaldo, 41, and he would also be 45 by the time of the next World Cup, and even somebody like the attacker, who takes care of his body better than anybody, succumbs to father time eventually.
The battle between individual and collective is won by the latter because when he eventually makes his way towards Ruben Neves, who is replacing him, there is an encouraging nod towards his teammate…
…before he embraces him.
There is then a handshake with Martinez…
… and, after a brief shake of his head, high fives for his teammates…
…before he takes a seat on the floor at the end of the bench.
“His team-mates would not expect him to want to come off, and that type of competitive signal isn’t necessarily a bad thing,” explains Sagal. “The danger is that it can take focus off the team and make for an uncomfortable dynamic with the manager.
“He did a decent job of keeping things together. He did the right things — his embrace with Neves and handshake with Martinez kept this on the right side of the line. Players with less self-regulation might have skipped the handshakes.
“I suspect his quiet spell when he sat down was him processing everything. He must have been angry, and it probably got harder as he thought that those might have been his last World Cup minutes.”
He wouldn’t stay in that moment for long, though, and he was leading the penalty appeals from the touchline when Nuno Mendes went down in the area.
He then joined his teammates in celebrating Goncalo Ramos’ 89th-minute winner, sharing a moment with him. Progression was close; his and his team’s World Cup journey and dream were still alive.
It was not quite the 2016 European Championship final when Ronaldo, who went off injured early in the game, spent most of the game coaching alongside former manager Fernando Santos.
There were echoes of it when Francisco Conceicao hit a shot wide in the 115th minute, after Croatia’s late goal was ruled out for offside; he was on his feet marshalling his teammates to get back into position.
“We saw it all in those last few moments,” says Sagal. “Ego, professionalism and love of his country and team. The embrace with Ramos at the end, though, told us a lot.”
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.
US Ladies Lose 2-1 @ Brazil play again tonight, 8 pm on TNT & HBO
The US Ladies got on the board first with a Sophia Wilson (Smith) Goal less than 5 minutes in as the forward returns to form after 18 months out on maternity leave. The lead was short lived however as the US gave up 2 goals in 5 minutes just 10 minutes later. Highlights The US backline was missing Naomi Girma (out with injury) and the foursome of Sonnet, Thompson, Fox & playing together for the first time – looked disorganized early before settling down in front of a hostile Brazil venue much like the US will face next summer in the World Cup in Brazil. The US showed its depth bringing Rose Lavell & Murge Pierce off the bench in the 2nd half as the US took control of the match. Despite our possessing nearly 2 to 1 and outshooting Brazil 8-2 in the 2nd half however – the US could not find the equalizer. As I mentioned last week – this is probably good for the US as most of this young team has not faced this kind of atmosphere before. I look for the US ladies to bounce back with a 2-1 win tonight and lets hope we get a dose of Triple Expresso this time.
US Men lose 2-1 in World Cup Sendoff game to Germany in Chicago -play Paraguay Fri 9 pm Fox (coverage starts 6 pm)
The US got off to a shaky start giving up a goal 3 minutes into the game on a free kick just outside the box. The Germans behind Chelsea’s Kia Havertz looked scary early before the US defense finally settled in and the offense got rolling. The US out-possessed and outshot the Germans in the first half and scored behind this banger from Antonee Robinson StunnerSpanish US Highlights. So lets start with the good – the US offense was on fire in this game – as Pulisic was on fire again. I still the like Pepi up front with Pulisic more than Balogun but we’ll see. Dest and Robinson were dangerous down the wings in the 3-5 alignment that we have settled into. The biggest issue I see is Poch is going to have to put McKennie beside Adams to protect a backline that is as weak as any the US has carried into a World Cup. Tillman has to be further upfield as he can’t play the Dmid 6 slot for this team which limits how much Adams can get forward. The Backline as discussed here before with Tim Ream (grandpa) on the left, a solid speedy Freeman on the right and hopefully Crystal Palace man Chris Richards (if he recovers from angle ligaments) in the middle. I still prefer Matt Turner in goal – but he will probably go with Freese. Here’s my starters for what i pray will be a 1-0 victory for the US in LA. My daughter Courtney and I will be in the stands – so keep an eye out for us! Go USA! (PS) I will have my World Cup Winners later in the Week hopefully before the Friday game.
The Ole Ballcoach WORLD CUP POOL
Ok folks its time for the Ole Ballcoach World Cup pool. Simply pick the positions each team will finish in the group stages in their group. (Rank them 1 thru 4) and get points for each correct pick. Then you play the Sweet 16 – knockout round by picking the games and who will advance just like a NCAA hoops pool -You can change you picks on the Knockout Rounds until the day they play.
Indy 11 wins 2-0 play @ Pittsburgh Sat at 7 pm on ESPN+, Ladies play Wed 7 pm
Indianapolis – When halftime ended at Carroll Stadium, the floodgates opened, both for Indy Eleven and the sky. As heavy rain began to fall upon downtown, the Boys in Blue scored two goals in the first ten minutes of the second half to earn a 2-0 win over Forward Madison FC in Prinx Tires USL Cup play.For much of the first half, Indy Eleven peppered Forward Madison FC’s goal, taking 12 shots and putting five on target under cloudy skies. The final statistics revealed just how dominant the hosts were. Indy Eleven finished with 23 shots, 14 on target, and eight corners.15-year-old forward Tyler Lowden made his Indy Eleven debut with four minutes to go, becoming the youngest player to take the pitch with the first-team in franchise history. The Greenwood, Ind., native who attends Center Grove High School was signed to an academy contract just eight days ago.The final statistics revealed just how dominant the hosts were. Indy Eleven finished with 23 shots, 14 on target, and eight corners.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. Indy Eleven resumes USL Championship action at Eastern Conference opponent Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC next Saturday at 7 p.m. on ESPN+. The next home game for the Boys in Blue is on Wednesday, June 17 at 7 p.m. vs. Brooklyn FC. It is a 317 Night, so fans can purchase $11 tickets online. Ticket options include the new Desnuda Tequila Deck(sold out for this match), Family Four-Packs, and Flex Mini-Plans.
Westfield, Ind. – Indy Eleven secured its second win this week in a commanding 6-0 fashion versus USL W League Valley Division leader Dayton Dutch Lions FC Sunday night. The Girls in Blue will continue their four-match homestand Wednesday evening at 7:00 pm, hosting division leader and rival Racing Louisville FC indoors at the Community Health Network Events Center on the Droplight Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield. Tickets are under $12 and they can be purchased online or after doors open at 6:00 pm.
Carmel FC Director Juergen Sumner (right) being honored as 1994 US World Cup Goalkeeper in Chicago Sat. US 1994 WC Team
The 1994 US World Cup Team with current US Men’s Team at Pregame of the US Sendoff game in Chicago last Saturday. Congrats to The Carmel FC U13G – Coach Tracey (L), Coach Matt (R). Good luck in Girls Nationals in Tenn
TV Schedule – Games on TV
Tues, June 9 8:30 pm TNT, HBO, Peacock USA Ladies @ Brazil Thur, June, 11 World Cup 3 pm Fox Mexico vs South Africa 10 pm FS1 Korea vs Czech Republic Fri, June 12 WORLD CUP 7 pm ESPN+ Pittsburgh Riverhounds vs Indy 11 3 pm Fox, Tele Canada vs Boznia/Hertz 9 pm Fox, Tele, Peacock USA Men vs Paraguay World Cup Sat, June 13 3 pm Fox Qatar vs Switzerland 6 pm Fox Brazil vs Morocco 9 pm FS1 Haiti vs Scotland 12 Mid pm FS1 Australia vs Turkey Sun, June 15 12N Fox Spain vs Cape Verde 3 pm Fox Belgium vs Egypt 6 pm FS1 Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay 9 pm FS1 Iran vs New Zealand Mon, June 16 3 pm Fox France vs Senagal 6 pm Fox Iraq vs Norway 9 pm FS1 Argentina vs Algeria 12Mid FS1 Austria vs Jordan Tues, June 17 1 pm Fox Portugal (Ronaldo) vs Congo 4 pm Fox England vs Croatia 7 pm FS1 Ghana vs Panama 10 pm FS1 Uzbekistan vs Colombia Wed, June 18 12N Fox Czechia vs South Africa 3 pm Fox Switzerland vs Bosnia & Hertz 6 pm FS1 Qatar vs Canada 9 pm FS1 Mexico vs South 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 Thur, June 25 10 pm Fox, Tele, Peacock USA Men vs Australia World Cup
Coming home from Practice or Games at Badger Fieldhouse? Need food for a Graduation, end of school party, World Cup or July 4th party? Call Ryan now to ask about catering options at 317-688-7290. Try out the Best BarBQ in Town right across the street (131st) from Northview Church on the corner of Hazelldell & 131st. RackZ BBQ
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Denmark’s National Team Doctor Morten Boesen said that Christian Eriksen is “doing well” after collapsing on the pitch and that “the expectation is that he will be discharged soon and can return home” (More); dive deeper into how Eriksen’s heart device saved him (More)
Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who was elected as Africa’s best referee by CAF in 2025 and chosen by Fifa for the World Cup, was denied entry to the United States (More)
Final Travel game of the Season at Trinity Park with Landon & Augustus.
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In his 20 months in charge of the U.S. men’s national team, Mauricio Pochettino has won 15 matches, lost 10 and tied one. He has taken a look at 67 different players and whittled that down to a 26-man squad. He has overseen a pair of inspiring performances over the past 10 days, a 3-2 win over Senegal and a 2-1 defeat to Germany. And now, on Friday, he takes the USMNT into the FIFA World Cup.
It’s a moment that really has no parallel in program history. Sure, the U.S. has hosted this tournament before, and the 1994 edition was a magical, transformative moment for the game in this country, but that team was playing with house money.
“Not getting embarrassed” was the goal 32 years ago. But now? With a manager as recognizable as Pochettino, with players scattered across Europe’s most storied clubs, the bar is set significantly higher.
Is this team ready for that? Just what is the ceiling for this group? To answer those questions and more, ESPN turned to those who’ve been covering the USMNT throughout this World Cup cycle and will continue spending every day of this tournament following the team: Jeff Carlisle, Herculez Gomez, Sam Borden, Cesar Hernandez and Ryan Clark.
Did Pochettino get his squad selection right?
Carlisle: I think he got things right for the most part. Injuries meant he could avoid some prickly questions, such as Patrick Agyemang vs. Haji Wright at center forward. The heart of the team’s defense looks a bit suspect, but I think Pochettino picked the best options available.
I, for one, wasn’t surprised by the exclusion of Diego Luna. He’s a talented player, but I think the other options in attack are a shade more proven. A player like Alejandro Zendejas is 100% deserving of his spot.
Gomez: Essentially yes, given it’s been 20 months since Pochettino took over, finally we see something that resembles a starting XI. You have to imagine that if Chris Richards is healthy, Miles Robinson is out and Richards is in the middle and finally you have the potential starting XI that we want to see against Paraguay. Yes, he got it right, but it took 20 long months to get here, and that is concerning.
Borden: On balance, yes. All the most meaningful pieces are here, although I suppose that’s the easy part. Taking Gio Reyna was the right decision, in my opinion — his talent is undeniable. Leaving off Tanner Tessmann was a surprise to me, as he impressed at the Paris Olympics and only continued to rise after that. If there’s a weak point here, it’s definitely in midfield depth. If anyone picks up an injury or yellow-card suspension, it could be glaring, and that seemed avoidable.
Hernandez: I’m sure I won’t be the only person bringing up the midfield. I get wanting to have a more forward-thinking option next to Tyler Adams for a group stage that will need you to break down some defensive opponents, but I don’t see this as a recipe for success for a deep run in the knockout stages.
Clark: Maybe? Some options were taken away because of how many players are injured. That’s not to say there aren’t questions about who didn’t make the final roster. Luna and Tessmann stand out the most, especially with Tessmann playing an important role for a Lyon side that finished fourth in Ligue 1.
Where does this team look most vulnerable?
Gomez: In the transition phase, when they lose the ball. This is a team that commits a lot of numbers going forward, and when you do that and lose that ball, you leave vulnerable a lot of players at the back in one-on-one positions. That’s when mistakes happen.
Borden: Beyond that midfield question, the concern with the U.S. is always around scoring. Folarin Balogun is as good a striker option as the Americans have had and is coming off a productive season (19 goals, four assists for AS Monaco), but the historic question hanging over the American team — can they score enough? — is hard to shake. Add in Christian Pulisic‘s months-long goal drought that finally ended against Senegal, and offense is something that any American fan will always have on their mind.
Hernandez: Related to the previous question, I think this team is one injury/red card away from a crisis if Adams is unavailable. Pochettino has noted that there are plenty of options who could play in that central midfield role, but there isn’t someone who can do it at the same level as Adams. Not enough defensive midfield coverage.
Clark: Defense, with the notion that it’s not so much for the structure, but the personnel. It wasn’t like the German team the U.S. faced in the final warmup game is one of the strongest German sides we’ve seen entering a World Cup. Couple that with the performance they had against Senegal, and it left Antonee Robinson as the U.S.’s most consistent performer at the back.
Carlisle: The one nit I have with Pochettino’s selections is bringing in a fifth outside back in Joe Scally and not another central midfielder such as Aidan Morris. Adams has a history of picking up injuries. Yellow cards are likely to be a factor as well, especially in a part of the field where physicality will be required.
Pochettino looks like he has settled on having more of a playmaker type, such as Malik Tillman, alongside Adams than a destroyer, such as Cristian Roldan. We’ll see if the U.S. pays for not having more steel in the middle.
How heavily will the distraction of Pochettino’s future weigh on the team?
Borden: The short answer: not much. I don’t think it’s a terrific look from an optics standpoint, but this is professional sports and however much we bang the drum about team and family, everyone is always looking out for themselves. The players are trying to win World Cup games; where their coach goes after it’s over isn’t going to be front of mind for them in any meaningful way.
Hernandez: I’m going to file this under “big deal for fans and media, but not much of a thought for the players.” Maybe they know something otherwise, but all signs from the outside pointed to Pochettino heading out after the World Cup. The latest reporting is not much of a shock.
Clark: Probably not at all. Appointing Pochettino always seemed like one of those moves that was going to last until it wasn’t. That’s what makes his future with the USMNT discussion fodder at this stage. Besides, we’re in the silly season, when managers and players are always rumored to head elsewhere.
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Carlisle: I don’t think it will have much of a bearing on how the team performs. These players are used to having coaches come and go. That’s just the nature of the beast of being a professional soccer player. This is especially true for the guys in Europe, but coaches are fired with increasing regularity even in MLS. I think it’s a fairly professional group as well, able to tune out the noise that comes around transfers or coaches moving.
Gomez: I don’t think it’s going to weigh on this team at all. I think everybody here knew Pochettino was here for what was left of this World Cup cycle and then would most likely leave. It was for this World Cup only. So the fact that he has potential suitors I don’t think in any way, shape or form is on the minds of the players.
Who is the player you think will surprise everyone (in a good way) this summer?
Hernandez: Reyna will have something to prove this summer. He obviously hasn’t lived up to his once-lofty expectations, but he has enough talent to have a game-changing moment or two off the bench. We’ll see how much of an opportunity Pochettino gives him.
Clark: It could be Sergiño Dest. This World Cup offers him a chance to display a level of versatility that might be crucial. He has shown that he can get into dangerous positions in attack while getting back to help when the U.S. needs to press. Some club is going to see that and present an offer to PSV Eindhoven for his services.
Carlisle: I think Dest and Zendejas are the attacking wild cards in the group who could do some real damage. Dest showed how effective he can be on the wing against Senegal. He has always been capable of delivering the unexpected, and playing further upfield plays to his strengths while lessening his defensive responsibilities.
Zendejas is another player I think will surprise people. The spectacular goal he scored last September against Japan was a glimpse of what he can do. I just hope he gets the chance in this tournament to show off his skill.
Gomez:Weston McKennie has to be that player; he is the one player on this team who has true star power. He is a star player on the field, for the goals he can score and the plays he can make, and also off the field for how charismatic he can be.
There are millions and millions of casual soccer fans who don’t know who McKennie is — if he has a big World Cup, they’re going to find out.
Borden: If I can borrow a hockey cliché, the U.S. is going to need a hot goalkeeper to make the kind of run that it’s hoping to achieve this summer. For that reason, I’ll go with Matt Freese as the most likely — and needed — player to surprise. Freese isn’t playing in Europe, the way Tim Howard and Matt Turner did going into their World Cups with the U.S., but his ability is legitimate. Can he do it on the biggest stage? If he can, it’ll give the U.S. a great chance to go deep.
How far will the U.S. go in this World Cup?
What would make a good World Cup for the USMNT?
Clark: Reaching the round of 16 seems like a realistic destination. Beyond that is when it gets complicated because of what has happened since March. How the U.S. performed against Belgium, Portugal and Germany — all games it lost — means it would need a significant turnaround to go beyond the last 16.
Carlisle: I still think the round of 16 is where this team will exit. The U.S. is likely to play Belgium in that round if form holds, and we all saw what happened when the teams met in March. Yes, that was a friendly, but I can’t think of anyone on the U.S. roster who can stop Jérémy Doku. That’s not to say the U.S. has no chance. The team is playing at home after all, and can certainly ride the support of the crowd. The Americans are also going to need some good fortune to progress.
Gomez: The USMNT is going to go as far as the draw will take it. If it ends up as a first-place team in this group, the road into the knockout rounds is easy. Second place? A bit harder. Third place? It will be scrambling. But all roads eventually lead the U.S. to the round of 16.
Borden: The “good” draw that the U.S. supposedly got in this tournament cuts both ways; no juggernaut dominates the group, but there are no minnows, either, which raises the possibility for all types of outcomes. I tend to be optimistic here: I think the U.S. wins the group (beating Paraguay and Australia, losing to Türkiye), and gets one step farther than Qatar before bowing out in the quarterfinals.
Hernandez: An exit in the round of 16 seems like the right balance of not being a letdown but also not being a massive step forward either. Assuming the U.S. tops its group or finishes in second, a possible loss to Belgium or Argentina appears to be the expected outcome in the round of 16.
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The year was 1992, and “everybody” at then-Bundesliga side FC Saarbrucken, including Wynalda’s teammates, had regaled him with taunts of “scheiss Ami” or German for “s— American.” After six weeks of hearing this, he decided to take matters into his own hands.
“It resulted in me finally having enough and throwing one of my teammates to the ground and telling him that if he calls me that one more time, he’s going to the dentist,” Wynalda told ESPN. “And then everybody kind of backed off and said, ‘Right, let’s stop calling him that.'”
They quickly did, though what helped Wynalda’s cause even more was scoring both of Saarbrucken’s goals in a 2-0 win over local rivals Kaiserslautern.
Was the treatment Wynalda received simple banter, or did it speak to the stigma that American players have found themselves subjected to when they try to compete in the upper echelons of soccer abroad?
Ultimately, it’s probably a bit of both. Although Wynalda’s recollection falls at the extreme end of the spectrum, it wasn’t unusual for Americans making their initial forays into Europe to endure such treatment, be it from teammates, coaches, fans or media.
Former Hannover 96 and U.S. men’s national team defender Steve Cherundolo said once he arrived at the German club in 1999, he was treated equally by players and staff, but he noticed a difference in the media. This was particularly evident in the dreaded player ratings, especially if he was playing more defensively from his outside back position.
“I don’t think there was ever a period where I didn’t” feel that stigma, Cherundolo told ESPN. This from a man who was dubbed “The Mayor of Hannover” and made over 400 appearances for the club.
USMNT great Landon Donovan felt the same during his days at Bayer Leverkusen, which signed him in 1999.
“This was not a personal thing against me or anyone else, but in the early days, you didn’t have to be as good as the player you were competing with. You didn’t even have to be a little better. You had to be significantly better,” he said. “If you were competing with a Turkish guy or a Brazilian guy or a German guy, you just had to [be much better] because they just assumed that Americans didn’t know how to play soccer.”
Not everyone buys the stigma argument. Current Chicago Fire manager Gregg Berhalter, who managed the U.S. from 2018 to 2024, spent time as a player in Europe in the Netherlands, England and Germany. To him, it was less of a stigma than it was ignorance — there was just a lack of awareness that Americans even played soccer.
“We’d just come off the [1994] World Cup, so everyone recognized Alexi Lalas and Tony Meola,” Berhalter said. “But other than that, they had no idea that the U.S. was even playing soccer. So, it was like, this is just a total new frontier. But it wasn’t like fans or coaches really held it against you.”
Red, White & Clueless
In the past, there was some justification for the skepticism of American players. The sport in the U.S. has gone through some excruciatingly lean periods. For huge swaths of the 20th century, soccer barely existed at a semiprofessional level. The U.S. endured a 40-year period between appearances at the World Cup. Between 1985 and 1995, the U.S. was without what would be considered a topflight domestic league.
Even following the advent of MLS in 1996, although the U.S. men’s national team has won seven Concacaf Gold Cups and reached the final of the 2009 Confederations Cup, the U.S. has never come close to winning a World Cup. The quarterfinal run in 2002 remains the furthest the U.S. has progressed in that tournament during the modern era. As a result, it was down to the likes of Wynalda, Kasey Keller, Brian McBride and Clint Dempsey to break down the doors, perform on the field and gradually improve the reputation of American players.
Solid performances at World Cups — the U.S. reached at least in the second round in the 2002, 2010, 2014, and 2022 tournaments — have helped raise that perception further. But other players toiled in relative obscurity, their presence helping to make incremental — but still important — gains.
“People forget how good Tony Sanneh was. They just do,” said Wynalda about the former Nuremburg and Hertha Berlin defender. “So, I mean, I think all those guys, I salute all of them. It used to be the one thing that they could say about America, ‘You might be good at everything, but you’re not good at this game. This is our game.’ And we’ve finally proven that we deserve to be in that conversation.”Thanks to the current group of American players performing overseas, the assessment of American players has never been higher. Players such as AC Milan attacker Christian Pulisic and Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie have proved themselves with big clubs in Europe. The Premier League is dotted with steady performers such as Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards, AFC Bournemouth midfielder Tyler Adams and Leeds United attacker Brenden Aaronson.
But the stigma has been difficult to shake. In talking to current players on the U.S. team, they believe there is still judgment and skepticism about American players although it’s less severe than it used to be. Nonetheless, the players aren’t playing the victim card and say they’re being judged fairly on their contributions. They carry with them a belief that their quality will see them rise to the top.
“Maybe I had some thoughts at the beginning that some teammates don’t view me the same because I’m American in the youth teams at Dortmund,” Pulisic told ESPN at a promotional event for Degree. “Maybe I had some of those thoughts, but I don’t know — I always believed and told myself that if you’re good enough, the coach is going to put the best players on the field. And I just always took that mentality.
“Is there a little bit of that stigma? Maybe there was. I think it’s definitely getting better with all the amazing talent that we’re producing now.”
For Toulouse FC defender Mark McKenzie, the stigma scale veers more toward banter, an arena in which he’s able to more than hold his own. Lately, the conversations have gone in some strange directions.
“With teammates, we go back and forth,” McKenzie told ESPN. “We poke and prod each other because it’s like, ‘Oh, America, you come over here, you talk about our food. Oh, you come over here, you talk about, Why don’t you do it this way? Or, Oh, facility’s not the way it would be back in the States.’ And for me, I try not to get into these debates. It’s subjective. It’s all about what you grew up in.
“Now the big thing is long throw-ins. Now I’ve destroyed the game with my American philosophy of using my hands and throwing the ball as far as possible. So, I got all my teammates talking about, ‘Oh, you destroyed the game now.’ Blah, blah, blah. So that’s the new dig.”
Former U.S. international and longtime Premier League goalkeeper Brad Friedel, who has also worked as a club executive with the likes of Besiktas in Turkey, believes that whatever stigma is attached to American players has become more subtle. For the bulk of American players, there isn’t a negative connotation — but they’re also not viewed as being capable of being the top player on a team.
“I think they look at American players [and decide] that, No. 1, the salaries are going to be a little lower at first, which is true,” Friedel said in reference to decision-makers at European clubs. “That their transfer fees could potentially be lower at first, which is true. And then they’re going to get a really honest, good professional that is going to possibly be able to start in the starting XI all the time but is not necessarily going to be the main reason they win every game.”
Pulisic is probably the lone exception to that statement, given he commanded a $73 million transfer fee when he moved to Chelsea in 2019. But until another player reaches those heights, that is one aspect of how American players are viewed that won’t change.
Even with all this progress, both on the field and with hearts and minds, there is still a way to go, with the stigma popping up in odd ways at strange moments. Current Charlotte FC defender Tim Ream spent over a decade in England with Bolton Wanderers and Fulham FC, and says he benefited from playing for two clubs that had previously had Americans on their books.
He says he never encountered a manager who held him in less regard because of where he was from. But at times, the perception of U.S. players among some teammates harked back to a previous era.
“Yeah, you would hear it. ‘Oh, really? You’re American. Do you actually know football?’ And you’re like, ‘Well, I’m playing in the same team that you are, so you tell me who knows and who doesn’t know, because we’re in the same boat here.’ So there was a little bit of that,” he said.
But nothing alters perceptions like a World Cup, especially if it involves iconic moments or an impressive performance against one of the presumed favorites. Ream found that to be the case after the U.S. tied England 0-0 at the 2022 World Cup, a match that on another day the Americans might have won. For some of his club teammates, it was almost like an epiphany.
“When we went back from that, guys were like, ‘Holy s—.’ They’re like, ‘You guys are a really good team, very good team,'” Ream said. “I think that’s when it clicked for a lot of people.”
The upcoming World Cup is another opportunity to alter perceptions and potentially inspire the next generation of players and the public at large. At present, the U.S. is viewed still as outsiders in soccer, but being one of the three host countries has upped the stakes of what can be achieved in both the near and long term.
“For me, it’s a lot bigger than just ourselves and our performance,” Adams said. “It’s about how can the next kid that’s looking up to us be inspired and want to play soccer instead of basketball, football, whatever it is. So for me, yeah, it’s a huge opportunity.”
Ream feels that any progress needs to be viewed with a longer time horizon. The quarterfinal run at the 2002 World Cup got people’s attention, but as Ream says the U.S. program has been on “a little bit of a slow burn” since that time.
The U.S. men’s national team is still waiting for its next breakthrough. There have been some humbling moments too, the failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup among them. A deep run, building on the round of 16 performance in 2022, would project more consistency.
“If you can sustain a national team and the development and the players within that, and they’re playing at big clubs around the world, which a lot of our guys are, then you start to change that perception,” Ream said. “And now that the thought of, ‘OK, they do produce good players. They do produce players that can play with other top players that are from all over the world, that are from your traditional powerhouses, Brazil, your Frances, your Englands.’ But you have to sustain that. You can’t just be a flash in the pan.”If the U.S. can find that big moment — and consistency — perceptions could rise, and the last vestiges of any stigma might finally start to subside.
Is the USMNT ready for the World Cup? After loss to Germany, the jury’s still out
Bill ConnellyJun 6, 2026, 07:32 PM ET
CHICAGO — Results matter most, and the United States men’s national team didn’t get what it hoped for in that regard in its pre-World Cup sendoff game, a 2-1 loss to Germany in Chicago on Saturday. But the Americans dictated the tenor of the match for much of the 90 minutes.
As has been the case for many recent matches, finishing made the difference — the U.S. didn’t do quite enough of it, and opponents did plenty.
After an early glitch led to a free Kai Havertz header and goal for the visitors, the U.S. established control around the 10th minute and rode it out for the rest of the first half. Antonee Robinson‘s wonder strike tied the match in the 37th minute, and the U.S. continued to create more dangerous opportunities (and earn plenty of corners).
But in the 57th minute, just as a number of stars were getting ready to leave the pitch, a long sequence of passes resulted in Havertz finding a surprisingly open Leroy Sané at the top of the box. The Galatasaray veteran gave Germany a lead it wouldn’t relinquish. Backups for both teams created some late chances, and Giovanni Reyna, Joe Scally and Brenden Aaronson forced late saves from Germany’s Oliver Baumann.
“I think it was an even game,” U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino said afterward. “If you see the stats, some of the stats [were] for us. I am so happy with the commitment and … how the reaction was [after the early goal].”
The U.S. has played four consecutive matches against teams in the top 15 of FIFA’s rankings, winning one and losing three. In terms of chance creation, the team fared well, attempting shots worth 5.6 expected goals (xG) to opponents’ 6.2. But opponents finished their chances at a far higher level and scored 11 goals to the USMNT’s six. There’s perhaps some poor fortune in there for the Americans, but there’s no questioning that moments of defensive inattention have proved terribly costly.
When the results and the advanced stats disagree, you can basically see whatever you want to see. But the U.S. certainly provided reasons for both encouragement and frustration before the team’s first World Cup game Friday against Paraguay.
Antonee Robinson steals the show
In the first half, Germany attempted to attack quite often through Sané on the right wing, but Robinson mostly stonewalled him; he was one of the best players in the match even before his incredible equalizer. In 63 minutes, he led the team with 12 defensive interventions and six ball recoveries while also creating three chances (tied for the most on the team with Malik Tillman) and scoring the only goal.
“He was unreal,” midfielder Tyler Adams said after the match. “I told him after he scored, I was like, ‘Can you save that for next weekend?'” It was Robinson’s second national-team goal from more than 20 meters out and third goal scored off a volley.
Robinson appeared to be cramping at the end of his shift, but there shouldn’t be any longer-term concerns. “He’ll be fine,” Adams said. “I was like, ‘Bro, you’ve been in England too long. You’re [playing] in the MLS heat.'”
Defensive breakdowns continue
For the fourth straight match, U.S. opponents finished at a higher level than xG suggested they should have, but there’s no question that poor defensive execution has been hurting the cause, especially in the absence of center back Chris Richards. On Germany’s first goal, Adams committed an unnecessary foul to give Joshua Kimmich a very good free-kick opportunity, and Miles Robinson lost Havertz, Germany’s most dangerous attacker on set pieces, in the box for a free header.
On the second goal, Germany unleashed a lovely passing sequence, but the Americans were a step slow for the first time in nearly an hour. They were punished for it.
A good response to (self-created) adversity
Against a high-caliber team, giving up an early goal can lead to a landslide effect. But the U.S. established its footing and created most of the chances for the rest of the first half.
Christian Pulisic completed a pair of aggressive send-off performances, attempting a team-high 18 ground duels and pushing the ball relentlessly: He finished with a team-high six progressive carries and a total carry distance of 217 meters.
Meanwhile, three bench players tested Baumann, and another substitute, wingback Max Arfsten, completed four progressive carries with a total carry distance of 106 meters in just 18 minutes.
In all, Pochettino was satisfied with the team’s fight.
“Here we are not talking about the quality of the coaching staff, the quality of the strategy, the plan, the tactics, it’s about culture,” he said after the match. “If you don’t have the energy, you have the commitment, you don’t have the trust, the confidence, all the values that are really important in that sport, it’s impossible to play.”
Red, white and hell yeah: How the American Outlaws became the heartbeat of U.S. Soccer
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Elvis Presley lives, and right now he’s talking to Wonder Woman and a bald eagle in a gravel parking lot in North Carolina. All around Elvis, hundreds of American soccer fans of all ages, demographics and blood alcohol levels are snacking on hot dogs. Over near one fence, a drum circle is warming up, rat-a-tat-tats filling the sunny afternoon air. Red, white and blue is everywhere, from innumerable Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie jerseys, to dyed beards and wigs, to a T-shirt that simply reads, “WTF IS A KILOMETER?”Welcome to the land of the American Outlaws. America is co-hosting this year’s World Cup, but the Outlaws are the ones who are bringing the party to every stadium, festival, bar and brewery they possibly can, from sea to shining sea.httpsMuch like the Avengers, the American Outlaws began with an idea — an idea for a place that American soccer fans, and would-be soccer-fans, could gather, a place where they could enjoy their love of the beautiful game, a place where they could say the word “soccer” and not be exiled, a place where they could navigate the intricacies of international football systems.That idea, born in a basement in Lincoln, Nebraska, now literally spans the entire country, with more than 30,000 Outlaws and 200 chapters dedicated to spreading the word and the love about American soccer. Look in the stands of any U.S. team match, men and women alike, and you’ll see them, standing, chanting, celebrating with constant exuberance.In a time of American division, they’re a symbol of unity, a celebration of all things red, white and blue, from the noble to the ridiculous.
“There’s no way everyone here voted the same way,” says Bryan Friers, one of hundreds of American Outlaws supporters in the Charlotte parking lot, “but we can all be here together today.”
He’s standing with high school friend River Young amid a fantastic cross-section of American humanity, from families with young kids to bands of Gen Z soccer fanatics to boomers still wearing American-flag headbands. The camaraderie is instant, the joy is evident, and the Americana is everywhere, from overalls to capes to tattoos to wigs.
Anthony Williamson, who regularly drums with the Orlando FC drum corps, is checking his equipment preparing to lead a pre-match hype circle. “This is the best,” he says as a chant leader who goes by the nom de soccer of “Ulysses S. Chant” begins teaching the assembled crowd the new chants of the day. In a few minutes, they’ll gather the Outlaws for a gloriously noisy march to the stadium.
The American Outlaws party is just getting started today, but there’s always room for more.
Chris Brady of the United States and the American outlaws during the international friendly match between United States and Senegal. (John Dorton/USSF via Getty Images)
American Outlaws: The origin of a movement
The Outlaws came to life in the early 2000s, when founders Korey Donahoo, Justin Brunken and Ben Cohoon bonded over their love of soccer, and their realization that America had no true supporters’ group to welcome and energize fans of national soccer. (The men’s national team itself was struggling through one of its many well-documented identity crises, so this was not exactly a shock.) The three friends adopted some iconic American imagery, a classic cowboy bandanna, and the Outlaws were born.
The Outlaws debuted with that most American of traditions: a road trip. A busload of roughly 60 fans traveled from Nebraska to Chicago to watch the United States challenge Brazil in 2007. That kicked off a traveling party that now encompasses not just the game itself but a pregame gathering, a night-before party, and year-round friendship and camaraderie.
Starting with the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and the 2014 installment in Brazil, where the Outlaws arrived en masse, the group has traveled in massive packs that make Steelers and Cowboys fans look like homebodies. The cost, both financially and logistically, is considerable, and the USMNT players have long supported their own supporters.
“When the team comes over and claps and thanks our section at the end of a match, that’s huge,” says American Outlaws operations manager Whitney Zaleski, “to see that they recognize what we’re putting in and the energy that we’re putting in.”
Run almost entirely by volunteers, the American Outlaws are open to anyone with a love of soccer and a willingness to send in $30. The Outlaws now boast chapters from Anchorage to Miami, from Honolulu to Maine. Some chapters are massive and well-organized, others are small gatherings at a local watering hole, but all share a love of soccer in general and the United States teams in particular. It’s a love that’s taken on new resonance now that the World Cup is once again coming to American shores.
“When we go to these World Cups, these nations, leagues, friendlies abroad, we’re welcomed with open arms. The locals there are showing us a good time,” says D.C.-based American Outlaws member Donald Wine. “It’s our turn. … This World Cup is about showcasing our culture and we have this great opportunity to welcome fans from all around the country, that’s what we feel our duty is. And we’re ready to accept it.”
In a very real sense, then, the Outlaws represent the United States, and it’s a responsibility the group takes seriously. In a sport where racist, homophobic chants and hooligan-style lawbreaking make headlines, the Outlaws strive to promote inclusivity, so much so that they have a specified Code of Conduct page on their site.
“The American Outlaws will not tolerate any sort of hatred or attacks on other people for who they are, whether in the form of physical or verbal assault, clothing or signage,” the Outlaws’ conduct credo reads. “It is of the utmost importance that people can cheer, sing and exist as they are in our section, around the stadium, in chapter bars and anywhere in the world with comfort and free of threat.”
The Outlaws are now large enough that they’ve built their own charitable arm, AO Impact. Focused on the No. 11 — the number of players on the pitch — AO Impact asks for just $11, to start, to help spread the word of soccer to local communities across the country. AO Impact works with local nonprofits around the country to build and maintain soccer facilities with the goal of exposing kids to the beautiful game, with the hope and expectation that they’ll continue to love it when they grow up.
It’s all part of the supporter-centric focus that the Outlaws espouse, with the guiding philosophy of giving the players on the pitch the best possible foundation for success, while at the same time making sure fans can appreciate all that soccer has to offer.
“One of our biggest [philosophies] is accessibility to fans,” says Zaleski. “Accessibility on the financial front (for ticket prices), but also accessibility for members. We try to educate. A lot of people don’t know how the ticketing process works for the World Cup or for international games.”
Plus, she adds, there’s always one overarching Outlaws goal: “Helping members and fans alike get the chance to have a good time in the stadium.”
She concedes that’s gotten tougher in recent years as the cost of travel and, particularly, tickets has escalated beyond all reasonable expectations. The Outlaws have worked with U.S. Soccer to keep prices for United States-run games at $45 apiece or lower, which allows for some cost certainty in an often unreasonably costly sport.
Naturally, that approach isn’t working with FIFA. It turns out that there was quite the catch to the $60 tickets FIFA offered to the Outlaws: for the USMNT’s first three group stage matches, the Outlaws — typically seated directly behind one goal — will be in the 300- and 400-level sections of the stadiums. “These are the worst tickets that I’ve ever seen out of the five World Cups I’ve been to,” American Outlaws president Brian Hexsel told NBC last week.
That’s classic FIFA, though, putting even the boundless faith of the American Outlaws to the test.
The American Outlaws have grown from a small club of about 60 people to having membership chapters across the country, including Kansas City. (Doug Zimmerman/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
The beat goes on
About 45 minutes before the USMNT-Senegal friendly match begins in Charlotte, a circle forms around several drummers, including Williamson. Somehow the drum corps has come up one snare player short, so a young man — who clearly had some kind of high school marching band training — steps up and joins the group. He’ll spend the rest of the game right there next to them, drumming away, a perfect embodiment of the Outlaws’ all-are-welcome ethos.
In a nice bit of cross-sport solidarity, members of the Carolina Panthers’ PurrCussion drum corps join the party, adding heft and weight to the procession, along with some Panther-specific “Keep Pounding” riffs. Ulysses S. Chant and other leaders teach the gathered crowd some new chants built on the Terminator rhythm and “Crocodile Rock,” among other familiar tunes. Do the chants stick in the crowd’s memory? Not really, but the enthusiasm does, and that’s what’s important.
And then they’re off, marching down McNinch Street toward Bank of America Stadium. They’ll fill Section 121, and they’ll stand, chant and cheer for two-plus hours as Pulisic and the rest of the United States outlast Senegal 3-2. Then they’ll disperse into the North Carolina evening, the sounds of drums undoubtedly echoing in their ears for days.
Wherever the USMNT plays this summer, the Outlaws will gather, in person or around screens. They’ll drum, and chant, and cheer, and celebrate the very best parts of what it means to be American. And they’ll be open to everyone, including you. All you have to do to join the Outlaws is start clapping to the beat.
How a fiery friendly against Paraguay helped forge the USMNT’s World Cup identity
Paraguay and U.S. players fought during a friendly match in November Vincent Carchietta / Getty Images
IRVINE, Calif. — When the United States opens its World Cup campaign against Paraguay on Friday, it will do so against an opponent that helped shape a defining characteristic of Mauricio Pochettino’s team.The last time the sides matched up, it could only technically be described as a “friendly.”A tense, physical game in Philadelphia in November erupted into a fracas in stoppage time. USMNT’s Alex Freeman and Paraguay’s Gustavo Gomez wrestled over a throw-in, with Gomez aggressively trying to take the ball away.AdvertisementThat moment — and the reflexive, visceral reaction for all American players who rushed towards danger to defend their brothers — served as a tangible moment of bonding. It showed every person in that locker room had each other’s back.“We got a lot of dogs on the team,” defender Miles Robinson told The Athletic recently. “It’s about letting ‘em out the cage.”Robinson swiftly was put in a headlock by a Paraguayan player during the melee. Pochettino ran over, slipped and was helped back up by Paraguay head coach Gustavo Alfaro.“It was a spark for the group and for the fans,” Robinson said. “It was a moment we needed as a group to recognize, like, hey, we’re not to be messed with or taken lightly. We’re in it for the long haul and in it for each other.”
The U.S. won 2-1 and had a strong performance beyond the kerfuffle, but it’s the fight that lingers more than the final scoreline.
It was the type of moment that the team needed as it ramped up preparations for the World Cup. The type that won’t soon be forgotten by either side, as the USMNT faces Paraguay to open up World Cup Group D on Friday outside Los Angeles.
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Midfielder Sebastian Berhalter was the first person to jump to Freeman’s defense, as he was closest to the incident. Robinson wasn’t far behind. Neither was captain Tim Ream. Even goalkeeper Matt Freese made his way from his own 18-yard box to midfield.
“When you have a group of guys who fights for each other and dies for each other on the field, anything can happen,” Freese said Monday.
Pochettino took charge of his first match as USMNT head coach in October of 2024, 13 months before the Paraguay game. Leading into the fall, there had been some highs, but more lows than the group had hoped for.
There were heavy defeats to two European opponents before the Gold Cup in the summer of 2025, when star attacker Christian Pulisic was not part of the squad. Pulisic told Pochettino he needed a break in the summer as he felt it was best for his body, a decision that led to a public spat between coach and star player. That Gold Cup had the potential to be a fraught time, but the group used it as an opportunity to pull closer together instead.
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“The spark actually started at the Gold Cup,” Ream said. “There were a few get-togethers in those games as well. The Paraguay game was a little bit extra. It had a feel that the game meant something more and now you look at it and it was a perfect test for us in that moment.
”So it’s good that we had that experience, but you come to this point and it is a World Cup and while you learn from it, it is in the rear-view mirror.
“For the guys in that camp it was a good learning experience.“
The U.S. will see familiar opponents at the World Cup, having faced all three group foes — wins over Paraguay and Australia, defeat to Turkey — under Pochettino.
As if World Cups aren’t intense enough, those matches were hotly contested. With some battle scars and bonding moments behind them, USMNT players are ready for whatever physical challenge comes their way.
“It’s just guys sticking up for each other,” said Robinson, speaking in association with Bounty. “Especially playing on your home soil, you got no time for any of that.”
Tom Bogert is a Senior Writer for The Athletic, providing exclusive, original and unique insights on MLS and the U.S. national team. He has previously written for MLSsoccer.com, The Guardian, and more.
Never know whose life you’re changing’: USMNT World Cup team can make 1994-like mark
Players from the 1994 U.S. World Cup team had an outsized impact on the sport — and this writer’s life Getty Images / Stephen Dunn
The players from the 1994 U.S. men’s national team quite literally inspired me to follow in their footsteps.
I was only 7 when the World Cup came to America, and I didn’t know much about the game. I wasn’t studying tactics or paying attention to FIFA rankings. I’d never even seen the game played until my dad took me to a tryout. I was just a kid trying to understand this sport that had suddenly captured my attention.
I remember watching them upset Colombia with a 2-1 win in front of more than 93,000 fans. Colombia were one of the best teams in the world at the time, but I was completely drawn in by the passion, courage and personality of that U.S. team.
The Americans made the most of Andrés Escobar’s infamous own goal, with Earnie Stewart scoring the winner in the second half. For them to grind out that result was inspiring, and it left its mark on me. They weren’t just soccer players, they were heroes.
More than 30 years later, what amazes me isn’t just what that team accomplished on the field. It’s that many of the same players who inspired me as a kid would later help me as a professional, a broadcaster and a person. That’s the real legacy of the 1994 team. They didn’t just grow the game in America. They helped shape the generation that followed.
I was this young kid learning about soccer on the fly. I would watch as many games as I could and was introduced to these stars. Naturally, I gravitated towards certain players – the ones who looked like me, played like me or players with the biggest personalities.
When I think of that group stage game against Colombia, I remember Eric Wynalda. He was a striker, like me. I also loved Cobi Jones. We had the same skin color and he was fast, like me. Then you had Tony Meola, who rocked that iconic mullet-ponytail look and came up with some big saves. Marcelo Balboa had this long hair and style about him that drew me in.
I was hooked by these guys. I wanted to follow them at every turn and, thankfully, Major League Soccer was just getting started. I had never seen club football before in my life. I didn’t know about the English Premier League or Serie A. I went from that World Cup to, ‘OK, what’s next?’
In 1997, I stood outside Foxboro stadium holding my 1994 World Cup ball, hoping U.S. men’s national team players would stop and sign it. They all did and I still have that ball today. It was an incredible moment – and little did they know they were inspiring a future U.S. national team striker. I couldn’t have imagined that one day I’d work alongside many of them, learn from them, and call some of them friends.
Charlie Davies runs towards Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan.Laurence Griffiths / Getty Images
Looking back, that team had some of the same appeal that the early WWF had for kids of my generation. The players weren’t just athletes, they were characters. Meola had the presence of a Hulk Hogan, while Alexi Lalas carried the unmistakable aura of the Ultimate Warrior. In a country where soccer was fighting for attention, those personalities helped draw people in. They certainly drew me in.
First as a fan, and later as a player fortunate enough to learn from many of the same men who inspired me. I’m always thankful for them helping me fall in love with the game – and even more with their help along the way. Even so, I don’t think that generation receives the appreciation it deserves.
Watching the 2023 CBS Sports documentary “The Billion Dollar Goal” taught me things I didn’t even know about the origins of soccer in this country. I knew the U.S. had qualified for the 1990 World Cup, but I didn’t fully appreciate what it took to get there or how much those players sacrificed to move the game forward.
The players of 1994 inherited a sport that still sat on the margins of American culture. The NASL had come and gone. The U.S. had missed four decades of World Cups before qualifying in 1990. The foundation wasn’t there and they had to help build it. But what has always stood out to me most isn’t what they accomplished on the field. It’s how they’ve treated the generations that followed.
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Every interaction I’ve had with members of that team has been defined by generosity. I’ve never sensed jealousy. I’ve never felt like they viewed younger players as competition. They wanted us to succeed.
One of my ’94 childhood heroes helped me navigate the transition from player to broadcaster. I work closely with Meola now for CBS, and I’ll always be grateful for the way he helped me when I first entered media through SiriusXM. It would’ve been easy for him to think, “I’m not helping this guy take my spot.” Instead, he and Brian Dunseth welcomed me, guided me and helped find my voice. That’s not something they had to do.
Mike Sorber coached me under Bob Bradley and pushed me because he wanted the best from me. Balboa worked with me at the U-20 level and was always someone I could reach out to. Lalas has been helpful whenever I’ve needed advice on camera. Tab Ramos has always been generous with his time.
Then there’s Stewart. He was my sporting director at the Philadelphia Union. When I was traded from New England to Philadelphia, he picked me up at the airport himself.
Things didn’t always go smoothly for me there, but my respect for Earnie never changed. He always treated people the right way and was always willing to help. The same was true of so many players from that team.
I’ve had the chance to tell Cobi what he meant to me. I told him how much I admired him growing up and how much he influenced the player I became. Not everybody gets the chance to thank their heroes. But I did and it’s something I’ll always cherish.
U.S. star Earnie Stewart was a 1994 inspiration to Charlie DaviesChris WIlkins / AFP via Getty Images
What makes that generation special is that they never stopped giving back to the game. They inspired us as players, then stayed involved as coaches, executives, broadcasters, and mentors. They opened doors and held them open, more than three decades later.
Whenever I’m around those guys, I still find myself listening more than talking. Each of them has stories that feel like chapters from a book. They’ve seen the game grow from something that barely registered in the American sports landscape, to a sport preparing for another World Cup on home soil. When I look back on my own journey — the highs, the lows, everything in between — it’s hard not to feel grateful. None of it happens if I’m not that 7-year-old kid watching the 1994 U.S. men’s national team.
As the World Cup returns home and my own twins prepare to experience it for the first time, I hope this generation of U.S. players can do for them what Jones, Meola, Balboa, Stewart and the rest of that team did for me.
Because you never know which kid in the crowd is watching. And you never know whose life you’re changing.
Charlie Davies Former US men’s national team forward Charlie Davies is a contributor at The Athletic delivering hard-hitting opinion columns, straight-talking podcast appearances, and insightful explainer videos. Charlie made 17 appearances for the USMNT between 2007-09 and was pivotal in helping the team qualify for the 2010 World Cup, before his career was impacted by a serious car accident. He has remained firmly in the soccer spotlight with his TV contributions for CBS Sports and is one of the most prominent former USMNT voices in the country.
The last time a team other than Rangers or Celtic won the Scottish league was 1984. Chasing a first Scottish title since 1960, Hearts really want to compete. Worth waking up to watch at 7:30 am on CBS Sports Network Saturday to see if Hearts can pull the upset at Celtic. Of Sat at 10:30 am gives us FA Cup Final with Chelsea playing Man City at Wembley on ESPN2. (Stories below).
Indy 11 win 2-1 Travel to Ft Wayne FC Sat 7:30 pm on ESPN+
Indianapolis – Indy Eleven used two second-half goals to rally from a halftime deficit to extend their USL Championship home unbeaten streak to seven (6-0-1) dating back to last season with a 2-1 win over Sporting JAX at Carroll Stadium. Indy Eleven resumes USL Cup play Saturday in their first-ever meeting at USL League One expansion side Fort Wayne FC at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN+. Saturday, May 23 is “Pups at the Pitch” at Carroll Stadium when Indy Eleven returns to USL Championship play vs. Lexington SC at 7 p.m. Ticket options include the new Desnuda Tequila Deck, Family Four-Packs, and Flex Mini-Plans. The Girls in Blue opened their 2026 USL W League season with a hard-fought 1-1 draw vs. rival Racing Louisville FC, they travel to new Valley Division member Toledo Villa FC on Saturday at 3 pm on SportsEnginePlay.
Less than 1 month away !!!
Proud to see my Friend and Ref Assignor David Howard honored as Official of the Year by CYO! The CYO awards ceremony at Saints Peter & Paul Cathedral where Dave received the Edward J. Tinder Officials of the Year award.
Fun reffing last weekend with Larry and Yousseff at Grand Park. Ready for State and President Cup games this weekend. Good Luck All!
TV Schedule – Games on TV
Sat, May 16 7:30 am CBSSN Celtic vs Hearts Scottish Championship 9:30 am ESPN+ Leverkusen vs Hamburger 9:30 am ESPN+ MGladbach (Reyna, Scally) vs Hoffenheim 10:30 am ESPN2 Chelsea vs Man City FA Cup Final 6″30 pm Tubi, Ion NC Courage vs Chicago Stars NWSL 7:30 pm ESPN+ Indy 11 @ Ft Wayne 7:30 pm Apple NYCFC vs NY REd Bulls 7:30 pm Apple Philly vs Columbus Crew 8:45 pm Tubi, Ion Denver Summit vs Orlando Pride NWSL 9:15 pm FS1 Seattle Sounders vs LA Galaxy 9:30 pm Apple San Diego vs Cincy 10:30 pm Apple San Jose vs Dallas Sun, May 17 6:45 am Para+ Genoa vs AC Milan (Pulisic) 6:45 am Para+ Juventus (McKennie) vs Florentina 7:30 am USA Man United vs Nottingham Forest 9 am Para+ Inter Milan vs Verona 10 am USA Leeds United (Aaronson) vs Brighton 10 am Peacock Brentford vs Crystal Palace (Richards) 10 am NBCSN Everton vs Sunderland 12:30 pm USA New Castle United vs West Ham 1 pm ESPN+ Sevillia vs Real MAdrid 3:15 pm ESPN+ Barcelona vs Real Betis 6 pm ESPN2 Portland Thorns vs Angel City FC 9 pm Univision Pumas vs Pachuca Mon, May 18 3pm USA Arsenal vs Burnley Tues May 19 2:30 pm USA Bournmouth (adams) vs Man City 3:15 pm USA Chelsea vs Tottenham 7:30 pm Para+ Orlando vs Atlanta United US OPen Cup 8 pm CBSCN St Louis City vs Houston US Open Cup Weds May 20 3 pm CBSSN Freiburg vs Aston Villa Europa League Finals 7:30 pm Para+ Columbus Crew vs NYCFC US OPen Cup 8 pm CBSSN Houston Dash vs SD Wave NWSL 10 pm CBSCN Colorado Rapids vs San Jose US Open Cup Fri, May 22 3 pm Para+ Hull City vs Southampton Champ Playoff 10 pm TUDN Mexico vs Ghana sAT May 23 12 Noon CBSSN Barcelona vs OL Lyonnes (Heeps/Horan) Womens’ UCL 2:30 pm Fox St Louis City vs Austin MLS 7 pm ESPN+ Indy 11 vs Lexington Sun, May 31 3:30 pm TNT, HBO, Peacock USA Men vs Senegal Sat, June 6 2:30 pm TNT, HBO, Peacock USA Men vs Germany in Chicago Tix Sat, June 12 WORLD CUP 9 pm Fox, Tele, Peacock USA Men vs Paraguay World Cup Fri, June 19 3 pm Fox, Tele, Peacock USA Men vs Australia World Cup Thur, June 25 10 pm Fox, Tele, Peacock USA Men vs Australia World Cup
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Run into Lionel Messi at a soccer stadium or randomly on the street, and he might feel larger than life despite only standing 5 feet 7. But soon you can have your own version of Messi at almost twice the size for less than $100.Lowe’s will begin selling limited-edition, 10-foot Messi lighted yard inflatables for $99, which will be available through the Lowe’s website starting May 18 for members of the company’s rewards program as part of its “Epically More Messi” campaign. Those living in the 11 U.S. World Cup host cities will be able to purchase a giant Messi inflatable in stores starting May 20.
With the World Cup in sight, we discuss what FIFA needs to do (and stop doing) to get ready.
by Donald Wine II May 11, 2026, 11:08 AM EDT Stars & Stripes
New York New Jersey Stadium (temporarily renamed from MetLife stadium) is seen from the inside ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, in East Rutherford, New Jersey on May 7, 2026. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP via Getty Images)AFP via Getty Images
One month away. The sporting event that has been on the dawn of the horizon for four years is now almost here. The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on June 11th from Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, and the pressure to perform is starting to reach its peak. It’s not just for the teams that are starting to assemble their final rosters in the coming weeks, but also for the tournament at large. For years, we have heard that this World Cup is going to be the biggest, the best, the most memorable. Now, the powers that be must follow through on that promise.
But, are we ready for the World Cup to kick off in a month? Are the United States, Canada, and Mexico? Is FIFA? Is the World Cup committee? Are we as fans? All of those questions likely have different answers and the level of readiness will vary. But in short, as the time ticks dow to kickoff, there is still a lot that needs to be done for North America to put on the greatest sporting event ever.
It starts with the overall excitement for the tournament, and for a lot of soccer fanatics, that’s not a problem. Even if their team is not in the tournament, life around the world will slow to a snail’s pace when the ball is rolled out to be kicked and the matches begin. But, some of that excitement has been dulled by money and politics, two things that the World Cup was always supposed to set aside for the greater cause of uniting the world to celebrate its favorite game.
The biggest thing that has lowered excitement and deterred many fans of the game, particularly here in North America from being all in for the World Cup has been the incredibly high costs to attend a match: the tickets, the travel, the hotels and home rentals, the public transit. Everyone seems to want to take financial advantage of the World Cup coming here with astronomical pricing. Even fan festivals in some cities are charging for entry with premium add-ons and many won’t even be open for all the matches of the tournament. FIFA vastly overestimated the premium American fans especially would pay to see a tournament match just a few miles from their home.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has been on record as saying that the 2026 World Cup would be like “104 Super Bowls in a month,” and recently said that they priced the game tickets accordingly because they felt American fans were used to paying a premium for sports. Infantino also went so far as to say, “You cannot go to watch in the U.S. a college game, not even speaking about a top professional game of a certain level, for less than $300. And this is the World Cup.” And that shows a fundamental lack of knowledge on what American sports fans routinely pay for games. Anecdotally, it’s much easier to pay less than $100 to get into almost any sporting event except for the Super Bowl than it is to exceed $300 to get into the same game unless you are opting for premium seat locations or amenities. With those statements, Infantino not only showed a lack of knowledge on what Americans will pay for a sporting event, but he also showed a wanton disrespect of how well educated the American soccer fan is on the game.
The United States has been the nation that leads all others outside of the home nation in tickets sold to every World Cup since we hosted for the first time in 1994. American fans routinely are relied upon to purchase tickets to big events that come to our shores. But because of this, American fans understand what World Cups usually cost. They immediately knew that an $1200 ticket for the USMNT’s opening match against Paraguay was over 3 times what people paid for the opening match 4 years ago in Qatar. They knew that a Cat 3 ticket to the USMNT match against Australia this year was twice as much as a Cat 1 ticket to see the USMNT play England in 2022. We’re the nation that has more access to soccer than any other, and because American fans travel for these games, they know what pricing is like everywhere. That was the biggest miss, and it’s costing them with all the reports of tickets going unsold because of the high prices. Hotels, flights, and public transit authorities jacking up the price of getting to and from the games in several cities has also put a damper on fan enthusiasm, and people are now just planning to wait and see if prices drop as inventory continues to remain unfilled.
So, what does FIFA and the World Cup committee need to do, besides consider drastically lower pricing? The biggest gap to fill is educating fans not familiar with attending World Cup on what to expect when the games begin. The education should have already begun months ago, but now is the second best time. Fans need to understand what it will be like attending the game, the security procedures, where people will access the stadium, how they can get there and the costs. There are many chances for people to get frustrated with the process, and lack of information should not be the reason for those chokepoints.
Let them know that the security perimeters are going to be vastly different from attending these stadiums for a NFL game or another soccer game. Let them know that they can’t bring in what they normally would for a routine sporting event at the same stadium. The last thing FIFA needs are entrances to be jammed by people who bring in items that normally are allowed in the stadium that are banned at the World Cup. Get them in the stadiums early by letting them know what will be there for entertainment prior to the match. Will they have screens to watch other games there? Other activations? Some of these stadiums are not close to anything else, so to not create a situation where tens of thousands of people try to enter the stadium at the last minute, bogging down security checkpoints, let them know the process and how long it can take so that people won’t miss the action on the field.
Finally, FIFA needs to get out of its own way. The World Cup is the uniter, the games on the field being the olive branches. The focus shouldn’t be on the revenue, but the action on the field. That’s what will carry in the minds of people long after the tournament is wrapped up. Lowering prices to get fans that generational moment inside the stadium is what’s necessary, but the focus shifted away from the game when the decision was made to price gouge at every turn. Get it back to the games, the teams, the players. We’ll do our part as fans, but as we tick down the days before kickoff on June 11th, soccer’s world governing body needs to do more. This is a pivotal moment in world sports history, and there’s a long way to go to ensure the moment is not fumbled.
USMNT weekend viewing guide: Break out the bubble wrap
Battling but hoping there’s no breaking by jcksnftsn S & S May 8, 2026, 10:31 AM EDT
OVIEDO, SPAIN – APRIL 23: (L-R) Alex Freeman of Villarreal , Javi Lopez of Real Oviedo during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Oviedo v Villarreal at the Estadio Municipal NMR Carlos Tartiere on April 23, 2026 in Oviedo Spain (Photo by Cesar Ortiz Gonzalez/Soccrates/Getty Images)Getty Images
With World Cup roster announcements coming up in just a few weeks and players already dealing with injury (we’ll get to those below) we’ll be watching through squinted eyes the last couple weeks of the season hoping that the injury bug doesn’t further derail World Cup hopes and dreams. While injury is definitely a concern there are still significant things to play for as well including promotion, relegation, and Champions League positioning. We’re covering it all in this weekend’s edition of the viewing guide:
Saturday
Middlesbrough v Southampton – 7:30a on CBSSN: Aidan Morris and Middlesbrough drew with Wrexham last weekend, dropping Middlesbrough to fifth place while Wrexham were eliminated from the playoff race. Middlesbrough will now host Southampton in the first leg of the promotion playoff semifinals. Middlesbrough defeated Southampton 4-0 at home back in early January while the two teams played to a 1-1 draw in Southampton early in the season.
Augsburg v Borussia Monchengladbach – 9:30a on ESPN Select: Noahkai is apparently already on ice, he hasn’t appeared in five straight matches and just one of the last seven for Augsburg who undefeated in their last five. Augsburg will be hosting Joe Scally, Gio Reyna and Borussia Monchengladbach who are mathematically safe from relegation and in eleventh place following their 1-0 win over Dortmund, a match which Scally once again started and went 90’ while Reyna came on for the final 20’, he has appeared in three straight matches.
Stuttgart v Bayer Leverkusen – 9:30a on ESPN Select: Malik Tillman saw just a handful of minutes off the bench in Leverkusen’s 4-1 victory over RB Leipzig last weekend and actually has fewer minutes since the start of April than Gio Reyna. Leverkusen have won four of their last five and have pulled into a three way tie for fourth place with two matches remaining, a grouping that includes this weekend’s host Stuttgart who are coming off a draw with the third team, Hoffenheim.
Fulham v Bournemouth – 10a on USA Network: Antonee Robinson started for Fulham against Arsenal last weekend but Fulham fell 3-0 to the league leaders. Robinson had appeared as a substitute in the prior two matches and looks to be in a rotation with Ryan Sessegnon. Fulham are in eleventh place and will host Tyler Adams and Bournemouth who moved into sixth last weekend following their 3-0 win over Crystal Palace with Tyler Adams getting his first start since early March.
Wolfsburg v Bayern Munich – 12:30p on ESPN Deportes and ESPN Select: Kevin Paredes was on the bench for Wolfsburg as they fell to Freiburg last weekend. He had made a brief substitute appearance the the prior week in his clubs scoreless draw with Gladbach. Wolfsburg are currently in the relegation playoff spot, tied with St. Pauli for direct relegation. Those two teams will meet next weekend to decide the fates of Paredes and James Sands but first Wolfsburg must stay within shooting distance as they host Bayern Munich who are coming off a disappointing Champions League semifinal matchup with PSG midweek but have lost just once and drawn five times in their dominating Bundesliga campaign.
Atletico Madrid v Celta Vigo – 12:30p on ESPN Select: Johnny Cardoso and Atletico Madrid were also eliminated in Champions League action midweek and adding injury to insult Cardoso was injured in training in the following days and his World Cup hopes are now in doubt as he deals with a high ankle sprain that will keep him out the remainder of the La Liga season. Atleti are in fourth place and can lock up next seasons Champions League spot with with a win over sixth place Celta Vigo on Saturday.
Lecce v Juventus – 2:45p on Paramount+: Weston McKennie and Juventus hold a one point lead over Roma for fourth place and the final Champions League spot from Serie A after their 1-1 draw with Serie B bound Hellas Verona. They will need to bounce back quickly as the travel to Lecce to face the seventeenth place side that can secure their safety with a win.
Real Sociedad v Real Betis – 3p on ESPN Select: Pellegrino Matarazzo and Real Sociedad are suffering from a bit of a cup hangover as they have lost twice and drawn once in their three matches since winning the Copa del Rey. Sociedad are in ninth place four points back of the top six with four matches to play. They host fifth place Real Betis on Saturday afternoon.
Sunday
Celtic v Rangers – 7a on CBSSN: Auston Trusty has started the last two for Celtic after missing four straight. Celtic are in second place, trailing Hearts by three points with three matches to play in the Scottish Premiership and they will have an Old Firm Derby to contend with on Sunday morning.
Mallorca v Villarreal – 8a on ESPN Deportes and ESPN Select: Alex Freeman has started two straight matches for third place Villarreal who defeated Levante 5-1 last weekend. Villareal will now travel to Mallorca to take on the fifteenth place side that are just two points removed from the final relegation spot. As an aside the La Liga relegation battle could be quite something down the stretch. Deportivo Alaves currently sit in 18th place, the final relegation spot with 36 points (just three points ahead of Levante). There are six teams within three points of them, including a logjam of three on 38 points, a group that includes Mallorca.
Crystal Palace v Everton – 9a on Peacock: Chris Richards and Crystal Palace completed their semi-final victory over Shaktar Donetsk on Thursday, winning 2-1 on the day and 5-2 on aggregate. Palace advanced to the UEFA Conference League final where they will face Rayo Vallecano near the end of May. With the extra cup schedule and not much to play for in terms of the EPL standings Richards saw a rare rest last weekend in Palace’s 3-0 loss to Bournemouth, coming off the bench for the final 14’. Prior to last weekend Richards had played nearly every minute for Palace outside of the four match stretch where he dealt with a foot injury at the turn of the year.
Koln v Heidenheim – 11:30a on ESPN Select: Kristoffer Lund picked up his second assist of the season as Koln drew with Union Berlin last weekend a result that guarantees their safety with two matches to play. Koln will host Heidenheim on Sunday, a team that could technically still pull into the relegation playoff position over the last two weeks, though no higher.
AC Milan v Atalanta – 2:45p on Paramount+: Christian Pulisic and AC Milan are limping into the end of the year, falling 2-0 to Sassuolo last weekend with Pulisic appearing as a substitute. Milan have scored just one goal as a team in their last five matches and as you’ve likely heard Pulisic himself hasn’t found the back of the next this calendar year. Milan are in third place, just three points ahead of Roma and in danger of missing Champions League qualification again if they cannot find some goals over the final three matchdays of the season. On Sunday they will host Atalanta who are in seventh place, ten points back of Juventus and the top four. Yunus Musah saw five minutes off the bench last weekend in Atalanta’s scoreless draw with Genoa, it was his first appearance in the last four matches.
Le Havre v Olympique Marseille – 3p on beIN Sports: Tim Weah was serving a yellow card suspension last weekend as Marseille fell to relegation threatened Nantes 3-0. Marseille dropped to seventh place and their slide to end the season, with just one win in their last six matches, has dropped them out of contention for Champions League qualification. Marseille still have a chance to make Europa League or Conference League but will need a result as they travel to take on a Le Havre side that are looking to secure their safety.
Monaco v Lille – 3p on beIN Sports: Folarin Balogun was back on the scoresheet last weekend, scoring the first of Monaco’s two goals in a 2-1 win over Metz, a week after seeing his eight match scoring streak snapped. The win also snapped Monaco’s three match winless streak and moved them to sixth place. They will host fourth place Lille who they trail by four points with two matches remaining.
Toulouse v Olympique Lyon – 3p on beIN Sports: Mark McKenzie and Tanner Tessmann’s teams will face off in Ligue 1 play on Sunday and while McKenzie and Toulouse don’t have much to play for Lyon are currently in third place, the final Champions League spot in Ligue 1, and leading Lille by just two points. Unfortunately, Tessmann was not included in the squad last weekend when Lyon defeated Stade Rennais 4-2 as he is apparently dealing with an injury that will now sideline him for the final matches of the season.
🇺🇸 Americans Abroad roundup 🇺🇸
Christian Pulisic’s rough stretch continued as he missed AC Milan’s 3-2 loss to Atalanta with a glute injury. Milan’s slide is becoming a real concern, with the club now barely hanging onto a Champions League spot and questions starting to swirl around both the team and Pulisic’s form heading into the World Cup.
Sergiño Dest reminded everyone exactly what he brings to the USMNT setup. The PSV fullback delivered a brilliant cross from the left side for Ricardo Pepi to head home in PSV’s 4-1 win, showing both his creativity and versatility after recently returning from injury.
Ricardo Pepi kept his strong season rolling with another goal for PSV, his 14th of the campaign. With Balogun also red hot, the USMNT striker competition heading into the World Cup is getting very interesting.
Gio Reyna finally had a breakthrough moment, scoring his first Bundesliga goal in nearly a year and a half for Borussia Mönchengladbach. It may not completely change his World Cup outlook, but it was a much-needed reminder of the quality he still possesses.
Auston Trusty played a key role in Celtic’s huge 3-1 Old Firm comeback win over Rangers. The USMNT defender was strong defensively and helped keep Celtic’s title hopes alive heading into a dramatic finish in Scotland.
Other notes:
Alex Freeman made the bench for Villarreal but did not feature.
FA Cup Final betting preview: Man City favourites to beat Chelsea
Folarin Balogun’s hot streak cooled off in Monaco’s tough 1-0 loss to Lille, though he still has 8 goals in his last 10 Ligue 1 matches.
In other Ligue 1 news, Mark McKenzie’s Toulouse pushed past Lyon in a 2-1 victory — Tanner Tessmann did not play due to a minor injury (he is out for the club season but reports have him available for the World Cup squad… whew)
Tyler Adams came off the bench early in Bournemouth’s 1-0 win over Fulham, while Antonee Robinson played 90 minutes for the other side.
Weston McKennie put in another solid shift, this time in the number 10 position, as Juventus beat Lecce 1-0.
Chris Richards went the distance in Crystal Palace’s 2-2 draw with Everton.
Aidan Morris played all 90 minutes in Middlesbrough’s Championship playoff draw with Southampton.
Malik Tillman featured for about half an hourin Bayer Leverkusen’s 3-1 loss to Stuttgart.
Yunus Musah was an unused substitute in Atalanta’s win over Milan.
Rayan Cherki celebrates scoring for Manchester City Gareth Copley/Getty Images
FA Cup final day is one of the most cherished on the English football calendar. While the Wembley showpiece might not have the luster it did in past decades, Chelsea and Manchester City would relish getting their hands on the oldest trophy in club football.
This might be particularly true for Chelsea, who need to salvage something from a season that has quickly slipped through their fingers.Indeed, the Blues are on to their third manager of the campaign, with interim boss Calum McFarlane in charge for Saturday’s final. Chelsea’s only two wins in their past 11 games both came in the FA Cup, against Port Vale and Leeds United.
Chelsea are 21/10 to lift the trophy, reflecting how they are widely seen as underdogs against a Manchester City side that, in contrast, has improved over the course of the season.
Jeremy Doku could be City’s primary difference-maker, having scored four goals in his past four appearances. The Belgian is 11/4 to score at any time against Chelsea.
Doku is the most prolific dribbler in the Premier League and could give Chelsea all kinds of problems, no matter if Malo Gusto or Reece James start at right-back. Doku has the one-on-one ability to embarrass any defender in world football.
Rayan Cherki was in sparkling form the last time City met Chelsea, contributing two assists in a comfortable 3-0 win for Pep Guardiola’s title-chasers.
The way Chelsea have fared under Liam Rosenior and McFarlane, there is frequently space in front of the defensive line to exploit — see Ryan Gravenberch’s strike for Liverpool at Anfield last weekend.
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This could be where Cherki does the most damage, with the French playmaker 13/5 to find the back of the net at any point at Wembley. Chelsea might have to man-mark him to stand any chance of keeping him quiet.
Then there is Erling Haaland. It says a lot about the Norwegian’s goalscoring ability that many believe he has endured an underwhelming season, despite notching 37 goals in all competitions for City – including three in this competition.
City are 4/11 to lift the FA Cup this weekend and have not lost to Chelsea in their past 14 meetings, winning 11 and drawing three. The omens are not great for McFarlane and his players heading into the encounter.
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Nonetheless, Chelsea can take some encouragement from the way they controlled large portions of Saturday’s match away to Liverpool, when most had predicted another loss.
On their day, Chelsea’s midfield trio of Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer are capable of controlling any match against any opponent, including Manchester City.
Their best chance of stopping Guardiola’s side might be to control as much possession as possible, meaning McFarlane could once again deploy a box midfield of Caicedo, Fernandez, Palmer and Andrey Santos like he did at Anfield.
Marc Cucurella’s mobility down the left wing will be key for Chelsea. They need the Spaniard to exploit the space behind Matheus Nunes in order to impose themselves as an attacking force.
Chelsea have kept just one clean sheet in their past 15 games in all competitions, and so there could be value in backing over 2.5 goals by Manchester City at 12/5.
Upsets can happen, especially in this cup, where the fabled magic of the competition frequently compels underdogs to perform above their usual standards.
Fatigue could be a factor. While Manchester City rested some players as they took on Crystal Palace on Wednesday evening in the Premier League, Chelsea have had a week off entirely since drawing away to Liverpool.
If Chelsea can somehow extend Saturday’s match into extra time, perhaps they could have the edge on a Man City side that is still in hope of snatching the Premier League title away from Arsenal.
Chelsea are 14/1 to win the FA Cup final in extra time, and the same price to win the match on penalties. The Blues have won four of their past six penalty shootouts, stretching back to the 2022 UEFA Super Cup against Villarreal.
Having already won the Carabao Cup, a domestic double is a very realistic possibility for Manchester City. Everything points to another trophy being lifted by Guardiola and his players at Wembley.
USMNT Tracker: Reyna finally off the mark, Trusty’s derby delight but more worries for Pulisic
Gio Reyna is finally off the mark this season Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images
Gio Reyna is finally off the mark for Borussia Monchengladbach this season but there was a worrying new injury for Christian Pulisic — while Auston Trusty helped Celtic win in the Od Firm derby against Rangers and keep the stage set for a nail-biting Scottish title race thriller.
Welcome to this week’s USMNT Player Tracker.
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Reyna finally scores
It was a consolation goal for his team, and the simple finish that Gio Reyna rolled into the net on Saturday could help sooth his personal frustrations.
Reyna scored his first of the season for Borussia Monchengladbach at the end of a 3-1 defeat at Augsburg, his first domestic goal since January 2025.
Gio Reyna scoring his first of the season for Borussia MonchengladbachLeonhard Simon/Getty Images
The 23-year-old forward had started the contest, as usual, on the bench. But although it made no difference to the result, the American was in the right place at the right time to score a right-footed shot from the middle of the box into the bottom-right of the net and take a symbolic step forward.Could that moment have come just at the right time to move the dial in his favour when it comes to World Cup selection?
Well, Reyna is certainly in that category. He has started only four Bundesliga games for Gladbach this term, often used as a substitute by coach Eugen Polanski. In total, he has played 486 minutes in the league.Against Portugal and Belgium, he got a total of 31 minutes from the bench, and failed to do much of note in disappointing games that his team were already losing.That’s why moments like Saturday could still count. If they are indicative of a sharpness and prowess that remains ready when unleashed, they are much-needed positive optics for Pochettino to keep in mind as he begins to finalise his plans for the summer.Reyna could do with another moment in Gladbach’s last game of a disjointed campaign — they are currently 13th and finish against Hoffenheim on Saturday.
It didn’t improve yesterday, when he missed out on selection because of a muscle injury reported in training in the days prior.
The mood music around the American suggests it is not a serious problem. It is not something that should have Pochettino sweating. But the 27-year-old, who last week was on the cover of Time magazine, has dismissed any talk about his goal drought as “bad questions”.He prefers, he said in the article, to shut down the doubters by scoring. Missing another chance altogether on Sunday is not going to ease his frustration, or fourth-placed Milan’s worries, as their loss allowed Roma (on a three-game winning run) to move level with them on points.
Trusty’s Old Firm success
Things are shaping up nicely for a thrilling conclusion in Scotland, and USMNT defender Auston Trusty is going to play his part.
The 27-year-old centre-back and his Celtic team-mates came from behind to beat Rangers and win a pulsating Old Firm clash 3-1 on Sunday.
Auston Trusty and Celtic are involved in a thrilling title chaseIan MacNicol/Getty Images
Neutral romantics will probably still root for first-placed Hearts in the Scottish Premiership title race, but as Celtic moved within a point of them (and will face them in the final game of the season on Saturday), nobody will be taking their eyes off the drama.
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For Trusty, who had a game-long battle with Rangers’ attacker Youssef Chermiti but came out on top in the end, it will mean he is at full sharpness going into June.
What’s coming up this week?
This weekend marks the end of the domestic season for Americans in the Bundesliga. See if Gio Reyna can produce another positive reminder of what he’s about against Hoffenheim (Saturday, 9:30am, ESPN+) or whether Malik Tillman can sign off on a positive note for Bayer Leverkusen in their last match with Hamburg (Saturday, 9:30am, ESPN+).
Watch
How USMNT players influenced the design of their World Cup jerseys
Henry Bushnell and Reuben Pinder
Chris Richards and Crystal Palace kept their own momentum going on Sunday. They’re already in the Europa Conference League final later this month, but they didn’t take their foot off the gas in the Premier League, coming from behind twice to get a 2-2 draw with Everton. See how Richards & Co can do in a big title-reckoning game against Manchester City (3pm, Wednesday, Peacock Premium) before they take on fellow Londoners Brentford on the weekend (10am, Sunday, Peacock Premium).
Finally, Milan have to start winning again against Genoa on Sunday. See if Christian Pulisic can recover and help them (Sunday, 9am, Paramount +).
Greg O’Keeffe is a senior writer for The Athletic covering US soccer players in the UK & Europe. Previously he spent a decade at the Liverpool Echo covering news and features before an eight-year stint as the paper’s Everton correspondent; giving readers the inside track on Goodison Park, a remit he later reprised at The Athletic. He has also worked as a news and sport journalist for the BBC and hosts a podcast in his spare time.
Who will Mauricio Pochettino pick for the USMNT World Cup roster?
Time to predict who Poch will bring in. by Donald Wine II Stars & Stripes May 12, 2026, 8:59 AM EDT
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – MARCH 28: Folarin Balogun #20 of the United States runs the pitch during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)Getty Images
We’re a month away from the United States Men’s National Team stepping onto the field at SoFi Stadium for their opening match of the 2026 World Cup. In a couple of weeks, we will know who will be some of those guys that step out onto that field. On May 26th, U.S. Soccer will announce the USMNT World Cup roster, and 26 players will see their dreams realized of making a World Cup on home soil.
But, who will make the roster? Who will USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino call upon to represent the United States at the world’s tournament? There are probably 35 players who could conceivably have a shot at one of the 26 roster spots. Ultimately, it’s up to Pochettino to decide who those guys will be that he thinks can advance far and try to become the first team to win a World Cup on home soil since France in 1998.
So, who will Mauricio Pochettino choose for his 26-man roster? Let’s predict who will receive the coveted tickets to the World Cup.
Goalkeepers (3): Chris Brady (Chicago Fire), Matt Freese (New York City FC), Matt Turner (New England Revolution)
Matt Freese is the starter for the USMNT, and Matt Turner will be the main backup. Those two things seem to be givens at this point. The real question will be who will be selected as the third goalkeeper. Chris Brady has the leg up as he was named to the roster in March over Patrick Schulte, who was added as an injury replacement for Roman Celentano. In the end, Chris Brady edges out Schulte due to his form on the club level.
Misses cut: Patrick Schultz (Columbus Crew), Roman Celentano (FC Cincinnati)
Defenders (8): Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Sergiño Dest (PSV Eindhoven), Alex Freeman (Villarreal), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace), Antonee Robinson (Fulham), Auston Trusty (Celtic)
Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson, and Tim Ream are the locks of the defensive unit to make the team. After that, there are guys that have clearly played their way into Poch’s plans. Alex Freeman, Max Arfsten, Mark McKenzie, and Auston Trusty are guys that Pochettino trusts and will get the call. Sergiño Dest, who returned to action with PSV recently, shows he’s fit enough to make the team and it’s welcome news for the USMNT.
Misses cut: Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati), Tristan Blackmon (Vancouver Whitecaps)
Midfielders (9): Tyler Adams (Bournemouth), Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps), Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake), Weston McKennie (Juventus), Aidan Morris (Middlesbrough), Gio Reyna (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders), Tanner Tessmann (Lyon), Malik Tillman (Bayer Leverkusen)
There are some guys who are locks for the midfield: Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, and Malik Tillman. The rest could change around depending on form down the stretch or, in the case of Johnny Cardoso, injury likely ruling him out of the World Cup. With Johnny likely sidelined this summer (and he was still a question mark to make the roster despite his form for Atlético Madrid), Aidan Morris gets onto the roster. Tanner Tessmann, Diego Luna, and Sebastian Berhalter feel like they will be solidly on the roster. Cristian Roldan will also be a guy on the roster as Pochettino finds him dependable and able to be versatile and provide cover for many midfield positions.
The final player, and the most controversial, is Gio Reyna, who Pochettino has said in no uncertain terms that his form for the national team is outweighing his lack of form and minutes in 2026 on the club level. He’s started to play better for Borussia Mönchengladbach recently, but Reyna will be included on the roster for what Poch believes he can do in that national team jersey.
Misses cut: Johnny Cardoso (Atlético Madrid), Yunus Musah (Atalanta)
Forwards (6): Brendan Aaronson (Leeds United), Folarin Balogun (Monaco), Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan), Tim Weah (Marseille), Haji Wright (Coventry City)
The forward group might be the one that is in the best form, with the exception of the face of the team: Christian Pulisic. He’s been in a slump lately and hasn’t scored for the USMNT since November 2024. The USMNT will need one of the faces of the World Cup to deliver this summer. Tim Weah is a lock for the roster, and Brendan Aaronson makes it as a forward, but will also have an opportunity to provide relief in the midfield. Because of Patrick Agyemang’s terrible Achilles injury that has sidelined him for the year, Mauricio Pochettino avoids his biggest obstacle: choosing between several center forwards that are in peak form and scoring goals. Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi, and Haji Wright (who can also play out on the wing) will all make the team convincingly.
Misses cut: Alex Zendejas (Club América), Josh Sargent (Toronto FC)
The World Cup will be here shortly, and we’ll know the roster shortly. For 26 guys, a dream comes true. For others, that dream is shattered if they don’t hear their name called on May 26th.
It’s Gozo time: Why USMNT should turn to uncapped teen for the World Cup
When Mauricio Pochettino names his final U.S. World Cup roster in less than two weeks, he should make room for at least one surprise.Yet it will only truly be a shock for those who haven’t been paying attention.Real Salt Lake’s Zavier Gozo, an uncapped 19-year-old winger, scored twice on Wednesday night in a 3-0 win over the Houston Dynamo. It was a performance that only added to what has been a breakout season, a continuation of the promise he showed last year when his overhead kick against LAFC put him on the map.AdvertisementThat highlight-reel finish was a preview of the dynamic and creative presence Gozo has in front of goal. He only reinforced that on Wednesday with his eighth and ninth goal contributions (five goals, four assists) of the season.Is there risk in introducing any new player to a core group this late in the World Cup process? Sure. But simply put: Gozo would undoubtedly make the U.S. World Cup team better.Pochettino’s preferred group lacks true game-changers. It’s why he has called in Gio Reyna despite the player’s continued struggles to stay healthy, effective and on the field. The U.S. coach understands there will be moments in this World Cup where he will look down the bench in search of someone who can add a spark — someone whose energy and presence alone boosts the team because it knows the player can pull out something different when the moment calls for it.The search should be over. Gozo is that player.
Zavier Gozo has given RSL fans plenty to cheer this seasonJamie Sabau / Imagn Images
And it’s not just about what he brings on the field, though certainly we can start there.Gozo has the physical profile to compete at the highest levels of the game. It’s why he has drawn interest from the likes of Atlético Madrid and Aston Villa, per The Athletic’s Tom Bogert — and why multiple sources around him and around the league expect the Utah native to be sold for eight figures this summer. He can run by defenders with pace. He can body up in the box when needed. He never plays afraid.
And that’s where what he does around the box becomes an important part of the conversation. Gozo triesthings. He tests goalkeepers. He creates opportunities for himself — and for others.His finish earlier this month against the Portland Timbers was a good example of his savvy in front of the net. Gozo was a late runner in a counterattack. As he approached a rolling pass near the top of the box, he moved his eyes central, to where Diego Luna was lurking. It was enough to get the goalkeeper to lean to his right just a touch, and Gozo laced a shot inside the near post.His feel and creativity around goal were even better a month earlier against Sporting Kansas City, when he received a pass at the top corner of the box, flicked it up to himself and snapped a volley inside the upper corner of the far post, a brilliant finish that doubled RSL’s lead.Against Atlanta United in March, he showed another layer to his game, bringing the ball down out of the air in stride, dribbling at and then past a defender and onto his left foot, where he curled a shot to the far post.Time and time again, Gozo does stuff in games that makes you stand up. It has a similar feel to other top young players who have come before in MLS, guys like Alphonso Davies and Tyler Adams, who simply seemed as though they were too good for this league.Gozo is clearly ready for more, and Pochettino has a chance to give him the ultimate stage to prove it.As his profile has grown, so has his place on the U.S. radar. Pochettino’s right-hand man, assistant coach Jesús Pérez, hinted as much last weekend.“(Watching a) few players, young players on both sides today,” Pérez said when asked on Apple TV why he was scouting FC Dallas vs. Real Salt Lake. “Very important for us to keep an eye on some of them. Obviously Luna is the one that has been more games with us, but there are a few other players that caught our eye and it’s important to be here today.”It’s not a stretch to conclude that Gozo is among that cohort, nor would it be unprecedented to call in a teenager without any senior caps to a World Cup squad.
Zavier Gozo, center, and Diego Luna, right, have teamed to great effect at the club level. Is country next?Rob Gray / Imagn Images
At the 2022 World Cup, 10 players made appearances aged 20 or younger with two or fewer pre-World Cup caps, according to TruMedia. That includes the Netherlands’ Xavi Simons, who made his debut in the knockout stage against the U.S. at 19.
Trent Alexander-Arnold had one cap when he made his World Cup debut in 2018 at age 19. Thomas Müller had two caps when he made his World Cup debut in 2010 at 20 (and scored five goals to win the Golden Boot). Christian Eriksen had three caps when he made his World Cup debut in 2010 at 18.
Experience is not an excuse when a player is both the right fit and ready for the moment.
It’s not even a unique scenario for the U.S.
Joe Scally made the World Cup squad in 2022 at 19 despite having just three senior caps. Julian Green (19, two caps) and DeAndre Yedlin (20, four caps) made the U.S. team in 2014, with Green scoring a knockout-stage goal and Yedlin emerging as a breakout player for the U.S. at the tournament.
Yedlin, now Gozo’s RSL teammate, is a great example of what the U.S. might be able to get from the young winger at the tournament. This U.S. team is not the young group of Qatar anymore. It could benefit from a wide-eyed youngster who comes in and injects a sort of awe, excitement and determination into the group. Yedlin’s supersub role added a different element for the U.S. in Brazil, and he impacted the game by helping set up the Americans’ second goal in a 2-2 draw with Portugal.
The most international experience Zavier Gozo, right, has came at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World CupJavier Torres / AFP / Getty Images
It was perhaps symbolic that Yedlin is the one who assisted Gozo’s first goal on Wednesday, which further reinforced his World Cup case. The U.S. has spent this last cycle searching for something different for a team that went into Qatar with such promise, but came out clearly needing more to truly make a run.
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The U.S. has been practically begging for a player like Gozo to bolster the attack. Close your eyes and imagine that scenario late in the game: it’s the 75th minute against Turkey, and the U.S. needs a goal to secure a result. It may be crazy to consider given the extent of Gozo’s high-pressure international experience is last fall’s FIFA U-20 World Cup, but there are few players in the current pool that would instill more belief coming off the bench to make something happen than him.
When Pochettino took over the U.S., he insisted that he was always watching everyone. He has proved in his time here that he has no fear about shaking things up. In fact, that’s exactly what he has set out to do. His message has been clear and consistent: Every player in the pool has a chance, they just have to show they deserve it on the field.
Taking Gozo to the World Cup would show just how serious Pochettino is about that message. But beyond that, the teenager deserves to be at the World Cup. And he has a manager brave enough to make it a reality.
It might just be the biggest payoff of Pochettino’s earn-it approach with this group.
Champions League Final 4 – Tues PSG Vs Bayern, Wed Atletico vs Arsenal CBS
So coverage on CBS starts at 2 pm with the Pregame show then a 3 pm kickoff each day for the first leg of the Champions League Semis. I am still flabbergasted that Bayern Munich Coach Vincent Kompany will miss the game. It’s all because Kompany was booked in Bayern’s thrilling quarterfinal win over Real Madrid for disputing the referee’s decision to allow Madrid to play on and score after a hard tackle on Bayern defender Josip Stanisic. That was Kompany’s third yellow card in Bayern’s 12th Champions League game of the season. He argued UEFA should relax the rules now there are more games than ever and he’s absolutely right!! “It’s an extended format and it’s the strictest-ever ruling with a lot of interpretation from referees, where sometimes you can get a yellow card wrong as well. So what happens then?” Kompany said after the game. Just like on players — yellow cards for coaches should all be wiped out if EUFA had any brains. Red Card – might be another thing. But its just nuts he’s going to miss the game in the Final 4 of Soccer! Back to the games – I like PSG at home 3-1 on Tues – and my Atletico Madrid 1-0 vs Arsenal as Diego Simione will find a way to shut down the Gunners offense at home.
Indy 11 fall to League 1 Union Omaha in US Open Cup – Play TB Rowdies Sat
Yes you read that right -our mighty Boys in Blue – fell at home 2-1 to a 4th place League 1 team at Carroll Stadium Sat night as 9K looked on. Forward Bruno Rendon scored his fourth goal in eight games this season, but it wasn’t enough as the 11 fall to 7th in the Eastern Conference. Indy resumes USL Championship play Saturday at Eastern Conference opponent Tampa Bay Rowdies at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN+. The Boys in Blue return home to Carroll Stadium for “The World’s Game Night” vs. expansion club Sporting JAX on Saturday, May 9 at 7 p.m. Ticket options available include Family Four-Packs and Flex Mini-Plans.
US Open Cup Play Continues on Paramount Plus Tues/Wed
While the 11 lost – fellow USL Champ team Louisville City knocked off Austin City FC on the road and will now face Houston at 8 pm Tues, while fellow USL team One Knoxville SC will travel to Columbus at 7:30 pm Tues on Para+.
Good times at the Girls College Showcase at Grand Park this past weekend – with Sofaine, Justine & I.
Man Chef/Master Assignor Nate fixed up a feast for us Refs at his house. The BEST BRISKET in Indiana – Thanks Nate! Here’s the late night crew Drew, Nate, Gator Rob, Grant, Kevin & I got soaked after this game Friday at the Girls Showcase – as extreme Thunderstorms came thru.
TV Schedule – Games on TV
Tues, Apr 28 3 pm CBS,Para+ PSG vs Bayern Munich UCL Semi 7 pm CBSSN Charlotte vs Atlanta United US Open Cup 9:30 pm FS1 Nashville SC vs Tigres UNAL CCC Cup Wed, Apr 29 3 pm CBS, Para+ Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal USL Semi 7 pm CBSSN NY Red Bulls vs NYCFC US Open Cup 7 pm Victory+ Washington Spirit (Rodman) vs Racing Louisville NWSL 7:39 pm Para+ Columbus vs One Knoxville SC US Open Cup 8 pm Para+ Chicago vs St Louis US Open Cup 8 pm Para+ Houston vs Louisville City US Open Cup !0:30 pm FS1 LAFC vs Toluca CCC Thurs, Apr 30 Europa League 3 pm Para+ Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa 3 pm Para+ Shakthar Donesk vs Crystal Palace (Richards) Fri May 1 3 pm USA Leeds United (Aaronson) vs Burnley 8 pm Victory+ Houston Dash vs Seattle Reign NWSL Sat, May 2 9 am beIN sport Nantes vs Olympic Marseille (Weah) 9:30 am ESPN+ Bayern Munich vs Heidenheim 10 am USA Brentford vs West Ham United 10:!5 am ESPN+ Valencia vs Atletico Madrid (Cardoso) 12:30 pm NBC Arsenal vs Fulham (Jedi) 2:30 pm Fox Sporting KC vs Seattle Sounders 4:30 pm Fox Real Salt Lake vs Portland Timbers 7 pm FS1 Inter Miami vs Orlando City 7 pm ESPN+ Indy 11 @ Tampa Rowdies 8:45 pm Tubi Angel City vs Utah Royals NWSL 9:30 pm Apple San Diego vs LAFC Sun, May 3 9 am Peacock Bournemouth vs Crystal Palace (Richards) 9 am Para+ Sassuolo vs AC Milan (Pulisic) 10:30 am USA? Man United vs Liverpool 11:30 am ESPN+ Dortmund vs MGladbach (Tillman) 12 pm Para+ Juventus (Mckennie) vs Verona 1 pm ESPN2 Chicago vs Portland Thorns NWSL 2 pm USA Aston Villa vs Tottenham 3 pm CBS Boston Legacy vs Denver Summit NWSL 3 pm ESPN Des Espanyol vs Real Madrid 5 pm CBSSN Gotham FC vs Racing Louisville FC NWSL 5:30 pm Apple Austin vs St Louis MLS 7 pm Victory+ San Diego Wave vs Bay FC NWSL Mon, May 4 10 am USA Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest 3 pm USA Everton vs Man City 3 pm ESPN+ Sevilla vs Real Sociadad (US Coach) Tues, May 5 3 pm CBS, Para+ PSG vs Bayern Munich UCL Semi 2 Wed, May 5 3 pm CBS, Para+ Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal USL Semi 9:30 pm FS2? Toluca vs LAFC CCC 10 pm CBSSN Utah Royals vs Houston Dash NWSL
Sun, May 31 3:30 pm TNT, HBO, Peacock USA Men vs Senegal Sat, June 6 2:30 pm TNT, HBO, Peacock USA Men vs Germany in Chicago Tix Sat, June 12 WORLD CUP 9 pm Fox, Tele, Peacock USA Men vs Paraguay World Cup Fri, June 19 3 pm Fox, Tele, Peacock USA Men vs Australia World Cup Thur, June 25 10 pm Fox, Tele, Peacock USA Men vs Australia World Cup
USMNT midweek viewing guide: Johnny, Richards kick off semis
Follow along with all the USMNT action this week. by Justin Moran Apr 27, 2026, 9:05 AM EDT
Liverpool’s Dutch striker #18 Cody Gakpo (L) and Crystal Palace’s US defender #26 Chris Richards clash as they vie for the ball during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Crystal Palace at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on April 25, 2026. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. /AFP via Getty Images
Midweek action is here. All kickoff times are in EST. Let’s get into it!
Monday
Cagliari vs Atalanta, 12:30p on Paramount+, DAZN, FOX Deportes, Fubo: Yunus Musah and Atalanta pay a visit to Cagliari in Serie A.
Tuesday
Charlotte FC vs Atlanta United, 7p on Paramount+, CBS Sports Network, Fubo: Tim Ream, Luca de la Torre, and Charlotte host the Five Stripes in the US Open Cup round of 16.
Also in action:
Nashville SC vs Tigres, 8:30p FS1, TUDN, Fubo, ViX: Matthew Corcoran and Nashville host Liga MX club Tigres UANL in this Concacaf Champions Cup semifinal.
San Jose Quakes vs Minnesota United, 10p on Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo: Niko Tsakiris and the Earthquakes host Minnesota in the US Open Cup round of 16.
Wednesday
Atlético Madrid vs Arsenal, 3p on CBS, Paramount+, TUDN, Univision, Fubo (free trial), ViX: Johnny Cardoso and Atléti host the Gunners in the first leg of this UEFA Champions League semifinal.
NY Red Bulls vs NYCFC, 7p on Paramount+, CBS Sports Network, Fubo: Matt Freese and the Pigeons visit Ethan Horvath, Cade Cowell, Adri Mehmeti, Julian Hall, and the Red Bulls in a US Open Cup edition of the Hudson River Derby.
New England Revolution vs Orlando City, 7:30p on Paramount+: Matt Turner, Peyton Miller, and the Revs welcome Duncan McGuire and the Lions into town for this US Open Cup match.
Sporting CP vs Tondela, 3:15p on Fubo: Jordan Pefok and Tondela visit Sporting Lisbon in Liga Portugal.
Columbus Crew vs One Knoxville, 7:30p on Paramount+: Patrick Schulte, Max Arfsten, and the Crew host third-division One Knoxville SC in the US Open Cup round of 16.
Chicago Fire vs St. Louis City, 8p on Paramount+: Chris Brady and the Fire host St. Louis in the US Open Cup round of 16.
Houston Dynamo vs Louisville City, 8p on Paramount+: Jack McGlynn and the Dynamo host Lou City of the USL Championship in the US Open Cup round of 16.
Colorado Rapids vs Colorado Springs Switchbacks, 9p on Paramount+: Paxten Aaronson, Zack Steffen, and the Rapids meet local USL Championship club Colorado Springs in the US Open Cup round of 16.
LAFC vs Toluca, 10:30p on FS1, TUDN, UniMás, Fubo, ViX, Univision NOW: Timothy Tillman and LAFC host Toluca in the first leg of this Concacaf Champions Cup semifinal.
Thursday
Shakhtar Donetsk vs Crystal Palace, 3p on Paramount+, ViX: Chris Richards and Palace visit Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk in Kraków, Poland for the first leg of this UEFA Conference League semifinal.
Friday
LASK Linz vs Altach, 10a: George Bello and LASK have the chance to visit a trophy as they meet Altach in Austria’s cup final.
Leeds vs Burnley, 3p on USA: Brenden Aaronson and Leeds United host Burnley in Premier League action.
Also in action:
Spezia vs Venezia, 9a: Gianluca Busio and Venezia visit Spezia in Serie B.
FC Andorra vs Albacete, 10:15a: Jonathan Gómez and Albacete visit FC Andorra in La Liga 2.
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USMNT analysis -Predicting the 2026 USMNT World Cup roster: tight races and form come into focus
ASN’s Brian Sciaretta offers up his latest prediction as to what the United States roster will look like for the 2026 World Cup, with breakdowns as to which players are in the mix and fighting for spots BY Brian Sciaretta Posted l 17, 2026 http://www.americansoccernow.com/articles/
IN ABOUT A MONTH, we will know the 2026 World Cup roster for the United States national team. The team will not gather between now and then, which means the only thing players can do is perform well for their clubs. While head coach Mauricio Pochettino insisted that the March roster was not the final roster, it should provide some clues.
The March roster was 27 players, although it had four goalkeepers – meaning that it was the same number of field players as the World Cup team will have. Assuming Tyler Adams, Sergino Dest, and Haji Wright will make the team after missing March due to injury, that means three players will have to come off, with one being Patrick Agyemang who is injured.
On top of that, the team did not play well in March against Belgium and Portugal. That could also make a few more players vulnerable.
The best guess, however, is that Pochettino has been trying to build something with this group and not use each window exclusively for auditions. There will be some changes, of course, but most of what we’ve seen since last September (when Pochettino said was the last chance to look at new players) is what will comprise of the World Cup roster.
With that said, here is a predicted roster.
Goalkeepers
1) Matt Freese 2) Matt Turner 3) Chris Brady
In the mix: Patrick Schulte, Roman Celentano, Jonathan Klinsmann
Analysis: Matt Freese has been the U.S. national team No. 1 since last summer and Matt Turner has settled into the No. 2. Nothing in the March window suggested anything different. While it is possible Freese or Turner could flip starting/back-up roles leading up to the World Cup, it is impossible (absent injury) to see a scenario where both do not make the team.
That leads us to the No. 3 goalkeeper. Chris Brady seems like the best possible choice at the moment. Roman Celentano and Jonathan Klinsmann have struggled since the start of 2026. Patrick Schulte has been decent, but Brady has been better.
Central Defenders
4) Chris Richards 5) Tim Ream 6) Mark McKenzie 7) Auston Trusty
In the mix: Miles Robinson, Noahkai Banks, Tristan Blackmon, George Campbell, Walker Zimmerman
Analysis: this is arguably the weakest area of the player pool – and that is not good. Being strong in central defense is needed by teams who require upsets to make a run. Chris Richards is the best of the bunch, by a wide margin. Tim Ream has had a great career but has not had a good start to 2026. It is clear that age is catching up to him, but Pochettino is very invested in Ream and it is hard to envision a scenario where Ream is cut.
Mark McKenzie has had a decent season for Toulouse even if he hasn’t had a defining performance for the U.S. national team. Meanwhile, Auston Trusty had a decent shift in March – so why not? There just aren’t a lot of options in the back.
Miles Robinson couldn’t play during the March window due to injury. But beyond that, Cincinnati has been terrible defensively over the last six weeks. That is not necessarily Robinson’s fault, but it doesn’t help his case either.
Noahkai Banks could be an option, but there isn’t anything to suggest he has decided to play for the United States. With him asking out of the final camp before the World Cup roster is named, predicting him making the team is nothing more than wishful thinking.
Tristan Blackmon, George Campbell, and Walker Zimmerman were all called-up in 2025 for limited times. But the fact they weren’t brought back suggests they are backup options now in case of injury.
Of course, Pochettino might bring a fifth central defender but players like Tanner Tessmann or Alex Freeman are just as likely to play in the backline if needed.
Fullbacks
8) Sergino Dest 9) Alex Freeman 10) Antonee Robinson 11) Max Arfsten
In the mix: Joe Scally, John Tolkin, Kristoffer Lund
Analysis: At this point, the best guess is that Pochettino will pick who has been calling up, whenever healthy. Sergino Dest, Alex Freeman, Antonee Robinson, and Max Arfsten have all been selected whenever they’re not injured. With that, Dest remains a bit of a wildcard. He has said that he is aiming to return from injury before the end of the season. For now, we think he’ll make it. If not, Scally comes back in.
Joe Scally is a tough omission because he can also play as a central defender in a three-man backline. Then again, so can Tanner Tessmann and Alex Freeman. But Pochettino has never seemed to full trust Scally and even left him out of some of the fall camps. Still, Scally should be there if Dest isn’t fully fit.
On the left side, Robinson is healthy – for now. Arfsten has had defensive liabilities but is good at getting forward. But Arfsten has been the preferred option when Robinson hasn’t been healthy. With John Tolkin injured (although it is unclear his timetable for return) and Kristoffer Lund having never been in the picture, Arfsten should certainly be there.
There is also Tim Weah, who could start at right back, right wing, or even left back. He is listed as a winger here, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t a fullback option.
Central midfielders
12) Tyler Adams 13) Tanner Tessmann 14) Johnny Cardoso 15) Sebastian Berhalter 16) Christian Roldan
In the mix: Aidan Morris, Yunus Musah
Analysis: This is the deepest area of the player pool and the place where the most difficult picks will be made.
Among those on the team, Tyler Adams is as close to a lock as anyone outside Richards or Pulisic. If central defense is a weakness, Adams can help alleviate that more than anyone as he is a very useful shield to the backline and he is a great disrupter. Tanner Tessmann has been singled out for his “brain” – which helps in his versatility to help in central defense if needed.
Johnny Cardoso only played 45 minutes for the U.S. team, but he was decent as the rest of the team struggled. He is yet to have a big game for the USMNT, but his club resume should be enough. Sebastian Berhalter was up and down in March but he is playing well for Vancouver and has had good moments for the U.S. team over the past year. Plus, he is an excellent free kick taker.
That leaves us with Cristian Roldan, who Pochettino likes and has singled out as a good teammate who adds value on a big 26-player roster.
The toughest omission here would be Aidan Morris, who has been consistently good for Middlesbrough. The problem for Morris is that he might be redundant with Tessmann, Cardoso, and Adams.
As for Yunus Musah, he seems like a longshot at this moment given his terrible season in Italy where his loan to Atalanta just hasn’t yielded meaningful minutes. He will still only be 27-years-old at the next World Cup but he needs to develop. Right now, at 23, he’s essentially the same players as he was at 19, but only rustier for not having played. He needs to make smart decisions this year about the next steps in his career. But it is hard to believe that a World Cup starter as a teenager could be left off the team four years later.
Attacking midfielders
17) Weston McKennie 18) Brenden Aaronson 19) Malik Tillman 20) Diego Luna
In the mix: Gio Reyna, Jack McGlynn
Analysis: This is an area of the field where it is difficult to predict given the inconsistency of the players. Weston McKennie has had a great season and can play in several different positions but seems the most valuable to this team further up the field. Brenden Aaronson is has also had a good season for Leeds although Pochettino has never been completely sold (leaving him off the 2025 Nations League roster and giving him only limited minutes at the Gold Cup and this past March window). But Aaronson is an energetic player who brings needed intensity to games.
Malik Tillman has not had a great season for Bayer Leverkusen, and has been considered a disappointment given the $40 million price tag paid for him last year. But he has done enough to be part of the team.
Then there is Diego Luna, who Pochettino said in March was struggling in his return from an injury. Luna was subsequently left off the March roster. But that seemed to be a direct challenge to Luna, and Luna has responded nicely – playing well after club play resumed after the window.
That brings us to Gio Reyna, a player who has been the center of much debate regarding his status on the U.S. team. In the end, the results speak for themselves. He is not playing for Borussia Monchengladbach. He hasn’t played much over the last four years. Pochettino brought him into the team for March, and while his minutes were limited, he didn’t stand out.
Maybe something changes in the weeks ahead and he beings to play and produce for M’Gladbach. Absent that, there just isn’t a lot there. Meanwhile, players such as Luna, Aaronson, and even Alex Zendejas are playing more, honing their craft, and building an affirmative case.
Wingers & Forwards
21) Christian Pulisic 22) Tim Weah 23) Haji Wright 24) Alex Zendejas 25) Folarin Balogun 26) Ricardo Pepi In the mix: Josh Sargent, Brian White, Damion Downs
Analysis: This area of the pool saw a shift in recent weeks with the injury to Patrick Agyemang. That opens the door for another player, although another center forward isn’t necessarily needed with Folarin Balogun and Ricardo Pepi as established producers and Haji Wright able to play both on the wings and as a center forward.
Should another injury arise, distant options like Josh Sargent, Brian White, or Damion Downs become likely.
Christian Pulisic’s tough run of form thus far in 2026 remains the team’s top story heading into the World Cup. He’s a lock to make the team but success of the team likely hinges on him returning to top form. All other talk about who makes the final roster is largely irrelevant unless Pulisic can be Pulisic.
Tim Weah could feature on either side at fullback or winger, but he is a good player within this squad and has had a good season with Marseille where he has been a regular starter.
Alex Zendejas would be a surprise inclusion, but the stars could be aligning nicely for him. He is having a great year for Club America, he would bring a nice left foot to the mix, he is well-liked, and he did well in his most recent call-up (last September). Plus, the team could use another winger or a player who could play multiple roles.
Bottom Line
My take is that there aren’t many open spots. It is essentially these 26 players plus Miles Robinson, Noahkai Banks, Joe Scally, Aiden Morris, and Gio Reyna. That makes 31 players with a realistic shot. The other players listed only come into the mix if there is an injury or if something drastic happens.
On the roster, Zendejas represents the biggest stretch given he has not been with the team since September. But he seems like a good bet given that he’s playing well, he’s versatile, and he brings a left foot.
Regardless, roster projects shift and change on a weekly basis. That’s likely to continue right up until the team is named. Players on the “bubble” just need to play well.
As for team success, it is fun to debate over the margins of the roster and which players will make the team with the final spots, but ultimately team success will come down to how well the top players perform and whether the goalkeeper can make big saves. Down the stretch, it is most important to keep an eye on Pulisic, McKennie, Adams, Richards, and Freese. The U.S. team’s success hinges on them.
USMNT Player Tracker: Allegri offers Pulisic consolation, Albert’s bow, and Aaronson’s education
Justin Setterfield/Getty Images, Marco Luzzani/Getty Images
Sensitive Christian Pulisic is still searching for goals, Brenden Aaronson wants to learn from his big miss, and Mathis Albert makes the breakthrough. It was a lively weekend for Americans in Europe.Welcome to this week’s USMNT Player Tracker.
In a roundabout sort of way, Milan manager Max Allegri offered some reassurance to USMNT supporters this weekend when it comes to his struggling forward, Christian Pulisic.As the star’s drought in front of goal continues — it is up to 16 games now, matching his only other similarly dry streak at Chelsea in 2022 — his manager added some sympathetic context. Pulisic, to an extent, is being sacrificed for the team by regularly playing as a striker.He is ‘doing a job’ for Allegri in a position the manager admits will not eke the best from him, because Milan do not have a centre-forward he feels can start regularly in his 3-5-2 formation.
Christian Pulisic has now gone 16 games without a goal.Marco Bertorello / AFP via Getty Images
Thankfully, Mauricio Pochettino does not have that problem, given Ricardo Pepi was on target again for PSV at the weekend and Folarin Balogun is thriving at Monaco, so hopefully Pulisic’s life will be easier in a little over six weeks’ time when the World Cup begins.“He is also someone who struggles more with the physicality of duels and the lack of a centre-forward, but I must try to give a balance to this team as we have an objective to achieve,” Allegri told DAZN after Milan’s goalless draw with Weston McKennie’s Juventus on Sunday.“I realise he is not entirely suited to this. I had asked him to play centre-right tonight and Leao centre-left, so we were without a centre-forward. Rest assured, by the end of the season, Pulisic will have given his contribution.”
There was also an admission from the Milan boss that the lack of goals is having an impact on the American’s mood. “Christian is a very sensitive man and this drought is hitting him harder,” he added.There’s little doubt that Pulisic’s partnership up front with Rafael Leao, with whom he has rowed at times this term, is not bringing the best from him. He did not create a chance for Milan on Sunday, and only touched the ball in the Juve area once.Leao had better numbers and delivered a brighter display, but he has also gone six Serie A games without a goal as Milan’s league form faltered.
Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic have not always seen eye to eye on the pitch.Marco Luzzani / Getty Images
In the end, Pulisic was replaced by Niclas Fullkrug, a more conventional centre-forward.In the opposition ranks, McKennie lasted the full game and was more involved in his side’s efforts. There was a worrying moment, though, when he went down and required treatment after an innocuous clash with Milan defender Fikayo Tomori.Fortunately, the Texan recovered to play on.The draw meant Milan remain third and Juve fourth, trailing them by three points, with both currently in the Champions League qualification spots.
Aaronson learns the hard way
Most people would not care to dwell on the opportunity that Brenden Aaronson spurned in the FA Cup semi-final on Sunday.The USMNT midfielder had a chance to put Leeds ahead against Chelsea early in the game after making a clever run to go through one-on-one against Robert Sanchez.His shot could not beat the Spanish goalkeeper, though, and eight minutes later, Chelsea scored what turned out to be the game’s only goal.Afterwards, Aaronson said he had already made a point of watching his chance back. “To be honest, I thought it was a goal. I thought I couldn’t have done much better, but it was a great save… I think I’ve watched it back three times already. I always want to get better and see how I can get better with my finishing,” he told ESPN.
“I work on it a lot, so I will watch it back. I know in that moment in time I was confident, and I knew where I wanted to put it, and I put it in the right spot, but sometimes you have to put your hands up for the goalkeeper.”
Brenden Aaronson fires off his shot, only for Robert Sanchez to save.Ben Stansall / AFP via Getty Images
There was a big step forward for 16-year-old Mathis Albert in the Bundesliga at the weekend.He surpassed Gio Reyna as the youngest American to play in the German top flight when he debuted for Borussia Dortmund on Sunday.Albert, who hails from Greenville, South Carolina, was introduced in the 88th minute of Dortmund’s win over Freiburg, aged 16 years, 11 months and 5 days. All eyes will now be on whether manager Niko Kovac gives the starlet more minutes between now and the end of the campaign.
Mathis Albert awaits his opportunity on the bench.Ronny Hartmann / AFP via Getty Images
Dortmund can only secure second place behind Champions Bayern Munich now, and Kovac also handed a full debut to gifted 18-year-old attacker Samuele Inácio in the 4-0 win over Freiburg.
It’s a big week for Chris Richards and his Crystal Palace team-mates, as they head into the first leg of their Europa Conference League semi-final against Shakhtar Donetsk on Thursday.
Palace will have to put the disappointment of their 3-1 loss to Liverpool on Saturday behind them quickly, and focus on the dream of a second major trophy in as many seasons.
See how they get on during the away leg in Poland (3pm, Paramount +).
Chris Richards is hoping to secure a second major trophy in as many seasons for Crystal Palace.Paul Ellis / AFP via Getty Images
Then, three days later, Palace are in action again as they head back on the road to face Tyler Adams and Bournemouth (Sunday, 9am, Paramount +).
Also on Sunday, tune in to see whether Albert or Reyna — who came on for 19 minutes against Wolfsburg on Saturday — benefit from game-time as Dortmund face Monchengladbach in the Bundesliga (11:30am, ESPN+).
Greg O’Keeffe is a senior writer for The Athletic covering US soccer players in the UK & Europe. Previously he spent a decade at the Liverpool Echo covering news and features before an eight-year stint as the paper’s Everton correspondent; giving readers the inside track on Goodison Park, a remit he later reprised at The Athletic. He has also worked as a news and sport journalist for the BBC and hosts a podcast in his spare time.
Suspended Vincent Kompany backs Bayern Munich ‘100%’ vs. PSG
ESPN News Services
Apr 27, 2026, 03:01 PM ET
Vincent Kompany’s influence as coach is a key reason Bayern Munich are in the Champions League semifinals. Now Bayern will have to manage without him.
Bayern are preparing for arguably their toughest game of the season so far at Paris Saint-Germain with their head coach suspended and assistant Aaron Danks taking over. He’s well-regarded, but has only been head coach in two Premier League games.
“Danksy has plenty of experience, was on the touchline for a while in England,” Kompany said. “I’ve got 100% confidence in the staff and everyone else.”
Kompany was still involved in training on Monday before Bayern’s departure for Paris, but he’ll be barred from the team’s locker room and bench at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday.
Kompany ruled out copying Jose Mourinho’s notorious 2005 caper when the Portuguese coach hid in a washing basket to sneak into the locker room and speak with his Chelsea team while suspended for a game against Bayern.
“I’m 1.92 meters (6-foot-3) tall. I can’t fit in a washing basket,” he said.
Harry Kane thinks Kompany’s absence will be felt. “We’ll miss him on the touchline. He’s our boss, a coach who’d love to be out there with us,” the striker, who is set for talks to extend his stay at Bayern, said.
It’s all because Kompany was booked in Bayern’s thrilling quarterfinal win over Real Madrid for disputing the referee’s decision to allow Madrid to play on and score after a hard tackle on Bayern defender Josip Stanisic.
That was Kompany’s third yellow card in Bayern’s 12th Champions League game of the season. He argued UEFA should relax the rules now there are more games than ever.
“It’s an extended format and it’s the strictest-ever ruling with a lot of interpretation from referees, where sometimes you can get a yellow card wrong as well. So what happens then?” Kompany said after the game.
“I’m not happy because of this, but it’s not important. The team can do it and I’m there for the return game. I have total faith in the team, the staff, to not just continue but also gain strength and motivation out of it.”
PSG coach Luis Enrique praised Kompany’s work since arriving two years ago.
“Vincent Kompany is a coach of the highest level, Bayern is one of the teams I like to watch the most,” he said. “They’re very pretty to watch. I like all coaches but especially the attacking ones, and he is without doubt one of them.”
Danks is one of Kompany’s three main assistants. The 42-year-old English coach is a set-piece specialist who oversaw two games for Aston Villa as caretaker coach in 2022, beating Brentford 4-0 then losing to Newcastle by the same score.
Preparations haven’t exactly been easy, either.
With the Bundesliga title wrapped up, Bayern hoped to rest key players against Mainz on Saturday, but Kompany had to bring on Kane, Michael Olise and Jamal Musiala after slipping 3-0 down before coming back to win 4-3.
Musiala is facing PSG for the first time since suffering a bad leg break against the French team at last season’s Club World Cup.
The attacking midfielder didn’t return until January but has recently looked back on form with two goals and four assists in his last five games, including setting up Luis Díaz‘s crucial third goal in the second game against Madrid.
Lennart Karl got his break in the Bayern team during Musiala’s injury absence but the 18-year-old is likely to miss Tuesday’s game with a muscle issue which has sidelined him for the last three weeks. Forward Serge Gnabry is out with a muscle tear that’s ruled him out of the World Cup, too.
The Champions League isn’t just part of Bayern’s quest for a triple. An even rarer achievement is possible.
Bayern are in the hunt for a double-triple of league, cup and Champions League for both their men’s and women’s teams. The Bayern women have already won the German league, are in the final of the German Cup and are level with Barcelona at 1-1 in the Women’s Champions League semifinals.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
‘No team better’ than Paris Saint-Germain – Luis Enrique
PA
Apr 27, 2026, 03:26 PM ET ESPN FC
Luis Enrique insists “there’s no team better than us” as he prepares Paris Saint-Germain for a heavyweight Champions League clash with Bayern Munich.
The holders host the newly crowned Bundesliga champions in an eagerly anticipated semi-final first leg on Tuesday.
PSG head into the game at the Parc des Princes in strong form having won eight of their last nine matches and sitting six points clear at the top of Ligue 1.
They have also impressed in Europe, seeing off AS Monaco, Chelsea and Liverpool in the knockout phase.
They now face a Bayern side who boast their own formidable record but the PSG boss is confident his side have the edge.
“These are Europe’s top two teams,” the Spaniard told his pre-match news conference. “In terms of consistency, Bayern are perhaps slightly above us because they’ve only lost two games, but in terms of what we’ve shown, there’s no team better than us.
“You need to attack more than you defend if you want to win, and we know how hard that will be, but we’re not here to negotiate — we want to win.”
Bayern arrive in the French capital on a run of nine straight wins and 16 victories from their last 17 matches in all competitions.
They have won 11 of their 12 Champions League games this season, losing only at Arsenal in November, while a Bundesliga defeat by Augsburg in January is the only other blemish on their record.
England captain Harry Kane has led the charge with 53 goals in all competitions, including 12 in the Champions League. Bayern have also won their last five meetings with PSG, including a 2-1 victory in Paris earlier this season.
The occasion holds no fear for Bayern manager Vincent Kompany.
The former Manchester City captain said: “We’ve already won at the Bernabéu this year and won in Paris.
“Paris are obviously still the Champions League holders, but if any team can take on this challenge, it’s us. We know how good Paris are, but we want this game.”
The match will be the 15th meeting between the sides in the competition — and the ninth in as many seasons — continuing a rivalry that has become familiar on the European stage.
Kompany, who will watch the action from the stands as he serves a touchline ban, expects fine margins to settle the tie.
“We’ve got experience against them, but that’s the same for our opponent,” he said. “Both teams have so much creativity. It’s about details, intensity and energy.”
The myth of the 2026 World Cup hotel and tourism ‘boom’
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has boasted some lofty economic figures surrounding the 2026 World Cup Hector Vivas / FIFA / Getty Images
FIFA came to North America years ago promising that the 2026 World Cup would bring millions of visitors and billions of dollars. “The world will be invading Canada, Mexico and the United States [with] a big wave of joy and happiness,” FIFA president Gianni Infantino said in 2022 as 16 host cities were selected. In anticipation, hotels in those cities hiked their summer 2026 prices and prepared to capitalize on the deluge.
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But with two months to go, the long-promised World Cup boom hasn’t yet materialized. Some in the U.S. tourism industry worry that it will turn out to be little more than a modest bump.
“It is not the cornucopia that FIFA talked about,” Vijay Dandapani, president and CEO of the Hotel Association of New York City, told The Athletic.
Chris Nassetta, longtime president and CEO of Hilton Hotels & Resorts, admitted at a conference in Washington, D.C., last week that “the World Cup, at this point, doesn’t look as strong as what we had hoped.”
Others remain bullish and expect travel bookings to pick up over the coming month. “We’re really not ready to pull the fire alarm yet,” Erik Hansen, the U.S. Travel Association’s head of government relations, told The Athletic.
Rosanna Maietta, president and CEO of the American Hotel and Lodging Association, added: “The industry, for sure, is still expecting to see a bump from those two months.”
She acknowledged, though, that “a lot of our members are reporting that bookings are below their projections.”
Many have re-calibrated expectations. And across the 16 host cities, most hotels have walked back their pricing surge.
In the aftermath of the World Cup draw and schedule reveal in December, The Athleticanalyzed hotel prices in the 16 markets. The 96 hotels in our sample were, on average, charging $1,013 per night around the opening match in their respective cities, compared with $293 for an equivalent stay in late-May, exactly three weeks earlier. The average increase was 328%.
The extent of the surge varied from city to city, but touched every market and cohost country. In the U.S., the average per-night price rose from $315 in late May to $1,028 during the first week of the tournament.
Four months later, at the same hotels, prices for those same June dates have fallen more than 40% from their earlier peak.
They remain significantly higher than May prices, but across 63 of the 66 U.S. hotels in the sample, the average rate last week was $579 per night around opening World Cup matches, down from $1,034 four months ago. (Three hotels were removed from the sample because rates were no longer available on the Marriott and Hilton apps, from which the data was sourced, when this follow-up analysis was conducted last week.)
The relatively steep decline aligns with industry-wide data and comments from executives and analysts.
“We are re-adjusting based on the market,” Maietta said.
Nearly everyone interviewed for this story said they expect bookings to accelerate between now and the start of the World Cup, or even during the tournament, which kicks off June 11 and concludes July 19. “I am still anticipating a banner summer,” Ed Grose, president and CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Hotel Association, told The Athletic.
But the “soft bookings,” as Maeitta put it, are fueling some concern that this World Cup won’t attract as many visitors as first thought.
The posited reasons range from a broader U.S. tourism slump to ticket prices that have dissuaded foreign fans, plus costs — including the hotel prices themselves — that have made a World Cup trip unaffordable for the vast majority of the world.
Fans attend the FIFA World Cup trophy tour in Kansas CityEd Zurga / FIFA / Getty Images
Reasoning for unmet expectations
When FIFA last year released a “Socieconomic Impact Analysis” report and boasted that the World Cup “could help drive up to $40.9 billion in Gross Domestic Product (GDP)” in the U.S., its analysis included an assumption that “40% of the total stadium attendance [would] consist of foreign tourists.”
If so, more than 2.5 million seats at the World Cup’s 104 matches would be filled by foreigners. Separately, officials speculated that the number could be around 3 million. And simultaneously, they promised that millions more fans would come from afar without tickets to partake in World Cup-adjacent festivities. Infantino said last week that there would be “tens of millions from all over the world coming to the U.S. just to feel the vibe.”
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With two months to go, however, bookings and ticket sales suggest that the World Cup, as a tourist attraction, might fall short of those expectations.
According to April 6 data provided to The Athletic by CoStar, a real estate and hospitality data firm, the percentage of available hotel rooms already booked for matchdays in nine of the 11 U.S. host cities was roughly equal to the percentage of rooms booked for the same June and July dates at the same point last year.
In those nine cities, excluding Philadelphia and Kansas City, bookings were up 0.8 percent on average. On group-stage dates, the uptick was slightly higher (1.3 percent). Including the two Canadian host cities, Vancouver and Toronto, however, there have been relatively fewer bookings this year compared to last.
Cities that aren’t typically summer tourist destinations, such as Dallas and Miami, have seen significant upticks, especially on the nights of popular matches, including England vs. Croatia and Scotland vs. Brazil.
Colombia vs. Portugal is another Miami example. Those matches “are going to bring a higher demand than maybe some of those earlier games, like Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde,” James D’Agostino, a general manager at Gale Hotels in Miami, told The Athletic.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal are expected to be a big draw for traveling fans at this summer’s World CupPatricia De Melo Moreira / AFP / Getty Images
But for hotels in other cities that would welcome millions of tourists even without the World Cup, such as New York or San Francisco, the tournament has not yet had a noticeable impact.
“The pace, unfortunately, is the same as what it was last year,” Dandapani, the New York City hotel association executive, said.
Alex Bastian, who leads the Hotel Council of San Francisco, said that in the Bay Area, “many of the hotels adopted conservative budgeting and forecasting strategies” based on past World Cups — and then based on the 2026 match schedule announcement in December.
Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., near San Francisco, is the only of the 11 U.S. stadiums that won’t host a single top seed. “If Germany was at play or France was at play,” Bastian said, “that would be a different impact than, for example, a team like Switzerland, or a team like, I don’t know, Jordan.”
Even in cities that received stronger draws, the share of international ticket buyers seems to be falling short of the 40-50 percent projection. Noelle LeVeaux, the Dallas host committee’s chief marketing officer, said recently that about 26-35 percent of tickets are being purchased by international customers. FIFA data distributed to the Los Angeles host committee and seen by The Athletic suggests that, similarly, less than a third of the fans at L.A.’s matches might be coming from abroad.
Dandapani said that FIFA’s pricing of tickets “at a really extraordinarily high level compared to” the 2022 Qatar World Cup had deterred travelers. He also cited widespread “headwinds,” such as strict visa policies, that have “put a chill” on international travel to the United States.
President Donald Trump’s “America First” agenda and rhetoric has also fueled widespread perceptions that the country is unwelcoming. Throughout 2025, the first year of Trump’s second term, “U.S. visitor numbers declined 5.5% against 2024,” according to the World Travel and Tourism Council, even as the travel and tourism sector experienced its “best year ever” globally.
The World Cup had been among the reasons that industry analysts expected the U.S. to rebound in 2026. Tourism Economics, a global travel data company, initially projected a 3.9% increase in arrivals throughout the calendar year. But recently, citing the “Middle East conflict” and its economic consequences, the firm downgraded its projection to “a moderate 3.4% gain.”
Aran Ryan, the company’s director of industry studies, told The Athletic via email: “We estimate World Cup attendees will boost growth in U.S. arrivals this year by about 0.8 to 1.3 percentage points … equivalent to about 742,000 incremental visitors during the tournament.”
A view outside the Marriott Marquis hotel in midtown New York CityZamek / VIEWpress
‘Artificial early demand’
Pricing, meanwhile, was muddled by FIFA hotel blocks. The global soccer governing body, which owns and runs the World Cup, booked hundreds or thousands of rooms in each host city. Then, like many conventions and other event organizers, it exercised its contractual option to cancel some of those reservations earlier this year.“FIFA’s room block overcommitment,” Maietta explained, “created artificial early demand.” Its opt-out then changed the supply-and-demand equation. Hotels suddenly had more rooms to sell, while potential visitors were perhaps not as numerous as expected.o, throughout 2026, they’ve adjusted prices accordingly.
The steepest decline in our sample — which serves as a rough approximation of the market, far from an exact measure — occurred in Atlanta, where average prices from June 14-16 at the six randomly selected tourist hotels fell from $968 in December to $390 in April. (Atlanta’s slate of group-stage matches is arguably the second-most underwhelming of the 11 U.S. host cities, better than only the Bay Area.)Boston, Philadelphia and Seattle also saw prices cut by around 50%.The most modest decline was in Dallas, where the average of $1,039 recorded in December has fallen to a still-high $773 around the first match at AT&T Stadium in nearby Arlington, between the Netherlands and Japan. (England vs. Croatia is three days later.)
The giant video board at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, dons World Cup branding in anticipation of a number of key World Cup matches at the venueJerome Miron / Imagn Images
“If they’re nickel-and-dimed every which way along that travel journey,” Maietta said of fans, “it makes it really hard for them to want to come out with, say, a family, or spend that extra night at a hotel. … It all adds up.”Optimists within the tourism industry note that the World Cup’s knockout rounds, which represent 31% of matches and the highest stakes, do not lend themselves to advanced travel planning. Many fans, they believe, will book at the very last minute if their team wins and progresses from one stage to the next.There are also still more tickets to be distributed. FIFA said Tuesday that it has sold 5 million, and that a new batch will be made available Wednesday at 11 a.m. ET. (The cumulative capacity of World Cup stadiums across the 104 matches is roughly 6.7 million.)The question is how significant the last-minute rush will be. No one is expecting the “tens of millions from all over the world” that Infantino mentioned, but the hope is that the World Cup will at least bring hundreds of thousands to each host city. And even if they are expats who travel from within the United States, they will still give the tournament international flair.“I think it’s too early to tell,” Hansen said of the ultimate impact. “I think plans are starting to be made now to come to the U.S. Ticket demand has been strong. So I think we’re going to start to see, in the next couple of weeks, how the data’s shaping out.”
Adam Crafton contributed reporting to this story
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.
Whatever Wrexham’s fate – Premier League or not – this is what they can learn from Coventry
Coventry head coach Frank Lampard celebrated winning the Championship after the game against Wrexham Getty Images
Wrexham are no strangers to promotion parties. Not after charging from non-League to the Championship inside three years.Even so, as the fireworks soared skyward and Coventry City supporters brandished placards reading ‘We are Back’ to mark their team’s return to the Premier League after a quarter of a century away, the joyful scenes in the spring sunshine did provide pause for thought.Wrexham’s play-off destiny remains just about in their own hands, a 3-1 defeat to the champions partly mitigated by how rivals Hull City had lost 24 hours earlier at Charlton Athletic.With both teams locked together on 70 points and Derby County a solitary point behind in eighth, victory over Middlesbrough at The Racecourse Ground could be enough to clinch sixth place.
Anything less than a three-point return, however, and maybe next season will be, as the celebrating Coventry fans took great delight in pointing out during the closing stages a case of, “We’re going to Arsenal, you’re going to Stoke”.Whatever Wrexham’s fate — and it could be settled by goal difference, the Welsh club currently one goal better off than Hull with a game to go — this has been a fine season with comfortably their highest-ever league standing already secured along with the mantle of being Wales’ top club.But, as Frank Lampard and his players rightly basked in the gratitude of a city whose football club has known tough times since last sitting at the top table of English football, it was hard not to wonder just what scenes potentially lie ahead if Wrexham can, first, clinch sixth place on the final day and then end their play-offs final hoodoo at Wembley.
“It will be a cracking atmosphere next week,” says Phil Parkinson. “It won’t match this because Coventry have clinched the title and they were celebrating promotion. Next week is about, ‘Can we get into the play-offs?’.“But, we’ve had some brilliant days ourselves. It’s all to play for. The lads have been brilliant over 45 games and now we have an opportunity to get over the line.”
Like Wrexham’s own rise under Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac, Coventry’s ascent to the Premier League has been impressive.
Jubilant Coventry fans after 25 years outside of the top flightJacob King/PA Images via Getty Images
Mark Robins did brilliantly to lead City to promotion from League Two in 2018 and League One two years later, despite a bleak financial outlook. Then came two heartbreaking losses at Wembley, first in the 2023 Championship play-off final, followed by the FA Cup semi-final 12 months later against Manchester United.By the time Robins left 17 months ago, however, Coventry were languishing in 17th place and needing a spark. Lampard, a serial winner in his playing career, provided just that.Wrexham, of course, were the first team to beat the champions, a 3-2 Halloween triumph that saw Kieffer Moore bag the ‘perfect’ hat-trick.
They were no less impressive in Sunday’s return, even if this time there was to be no reward for their efforts, as goals from Ephron Mason-Clark, Brandon Thomas-Asante, and a swerving free kick by Victor Torp ensured the title party was in full swing at the final whistle.No doubt that the trophy handed over by EFL chairman Rick Parry was well deserved. They have been the Championship’s standout team and fully deserving of the guard of honour provided by Wrexham before kick-off.The Welsh club may yet join Coventry in next season’s Premier League. But, even if that is to be the case, there are lessons to heed from how Lampard’s side have dominated the second tier.
Ollie Rathbone celebrates scoring against CoventrySimon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
The respective metrics for the two teams across 45 Championship games are revealing, especially how integral possession has been to the champions’ success.
Not just on Sunday — when Wrexham were worn down on an afternoon when they saw just 39.3 per cent of the ball — but across the entire season, where Coventry’s average possession stands at 55 per cent, compared with Wrexham’s 48 per cent.
This has allowed City to spend more time in the opposition third of the field, as shown by how 56 per cent of their overall touches have come in this area, compared with 47 per cent for Wrexham.
Seeing so much of the ball also helps partly explain the big disparity in attempted shots across the campaign, Coventry managing an average of 16.3 per game (5.5 on target) compared with 11.1 (3.7 on target) for Parkinson’s side.Of those, 72 per cent of Coventry’s attempts have been from inside the penalty area, the highest in the Championship and well ahead of Wrexham at 67 per cent.
The Welsh side put up a good fight on Sunday, carving out eight shots of their own inside the penalty area to nine by the hosts. Crucially, though, Coventry were more clinical, again mirroring a season-wide trend with Lampard’s side boasting a 35 per cent conversion rate from shots inside the six-yard box, 55 per cent on target.
In contrast, Wrexham’s conversion rate from the same area stands at 26 per cent and 36 per cent accuracy.
Shot conversion overall has been similar, at 14 per cent for City and 13 per cent for Wrexham, underlining how it’s volume and quality that most sets apart the teams sitting first and sixth respectively in the table.
Coventry are also better at fast breaks, averaging an expected goals (xG) of 0.2 per 90 minutes from this route, as opposed to Wrexham at a little over a third of that at 0.07.
An ability to win possession high up the field or win a set piece that subsequently leads to a goal also explains why Coventry are the division’s top scorers with 93, no less than nine goals having come from these high turnovers (2.5 per match). Wrexham, meanwhile, have scored just three from an average of 1.9, again something that will have to improve going forward.
“Congratulations to Coventry,” said the Wrexham manager. “They’ve earned it over the season. But the lads won’t be knocked by this. We went toe-to-toe with a very good team and the third goal was not a fair reflection.
“We had big moments in the game, but didn’t take them. We will next week.”
Champions League Final 8 Action is back Tues/Wed (must hear anthem)
Champions League returns with a surprise team in Sporting CP hosting Arsenal at 3 pm Tuesday on Para+. Arsenal are odds on favorites along with Bayern Munich and the holders PSG. Two English teams Arsenal & Liverpool remain while La Liga has 3 with Real Madrid, Atletico & Barcelona while France, Germany & Portugal have just 1 each in Bayern Munich, PSG and Sporting respectively. Lots of stories below!!
USWNT Faces Top 5 Ranked Japan in 3 Game Series Sat, Tues & Thurs on TNT
The US national Team brings an experienced roster into this top 5 match-up with Japan coming up this weekend & Next week as the roster marks the return of two players who add a tremendous amount of experience to the U.S. roster as both have played in World Cups and the Olympics. Forward Sophia Wilson, a member of the “Triple Espresso” front line who helped lead the USA to the 2024 Olympic gold medal, makes her first USWNT roster in 17 months following her pregnancy and the birth of her daughter in early September of 2025. The 25-year-old Wilson has 58 caps for the USWNT along with 24 goals, three of which were scored at the 2024 Olympics, to go with her two assists in that tournament. Defender Tierna Davidson, 27, has made a complete recovery from an ACL injury suffered in NWSL play at the beginning of the 2025 season. She returns to the USWNT after a 13-month absence. Coincidentally, Davidson’s most recent international match was against Japan on Feb. 26, 2025, in the SheBelieves Cup finale. The USWNT will begin its three-game series against Japan in San Jose, Calif. at PayPal Park, home of Bay FC and the San Jose Earthquakes, this Saturday – April 11 (2:30 p.m. PT / 5:30 p.m. TNT, truTV and HBO Max in English and Universo and Peacock in Spanish).
U.S. Women’s National Team Roster by Position (Club; Caps/Goals)2026 April Matches vs. Japan
GOALKEEPERS (3): Jane Campbell (Houston Dash, 10),Claudia Dickey (Seattle Reign FC; 8), Phallon Tullis-Joyce (Manchester United, ENG; 6) DEFENDERS (9): Tierna Davidson (Gotham FC; 67/3), Emily Fox (Arsenal FC, ENG; 74/1), Naomi Girma (Chelsea FC, ENG; 52/2), Avery Patterson (Houston Dash; 10/1), Lilly Reale (Gotham FC; 7/0), Emily Sams (Angel City FC: 9/1), Emily Sonnett (Gotham FC; 115/2), Gisele Thompson (Angel City FC; 7/0), Kennedy Wesley (San Diego Wave FC; 4/0) MIDFIELDERS (7): Sam Coffey (Manchester City, ENG; 44/5), Lindsey Heaps (OL Lyonnes, FRA; 173/39), Claire Hutton (Bay FC; 15/1), Rose Lavelle (Gotham FC; 118/27), Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns FC; 15/5),Jaedyn Shaw (Gotham FC; 34/10), Lily Yohannes (OL Lyonnes, FRA; 16/1) FORWARDS (7): Michelle Cooper (Kansas City Current; 10/1),Jameese Joseph (Chicago Stars FC; 4/1),Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit; 52/13), Emma Sears (Racing Louisville FC; 17/6), Ally Sentnor (Kansas City Current; 18/7), Alyssa Thompson (Chelsea FC, ENG; 29/4), Sophia Wilson (Portland Thorns FC; 58/24)
World Cup Field is Set
The World Cup field of 48 is finally set. The World Cup playoff finals took place, and four teams from UEFA along with 2 FIFA inter-confederation playoff winners booked their place into this summer’s tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. From UEFA, Czechia, Türkiye, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Sweden each won their playoffs, while DR Congo and Iraq/Bolivia won the inter-confederation playoffs in Mexico to complete the field. For USMNT fans, they now know who the team will face in their final group stage match on June 25th: Türkiye. They beat Kosovo 1-0 in a hard fought match to secure their spot and join the USMNT, Australia, and Paraguay in Group D. Mexico sees Czechia join their group alongside South Africa and South Korea, as Czechia took out Denmark on penalties. We are still looking for World Cup tickets in Seattle, June 29th if you have a lead on 2 or 3 tickets.
US Bows to Portugal 2-0 Where Are we Now?
Wow – not sure what to say after watching the US get slapped 5-1 and 2-0 at home in Atlanta in front of 70,000 fans in Atlanta. I will go back to what I said the minute they handed the keys to Pochitino – I still think its a HUGE mistake. After looking decent — over the past window – BOTCHITINO returned to his idiotic ways vs the best 2 teams the US has faced in 4 years. I am sure many have forgotten but with AMERICAN coaches we have beaten the likes Spain, Brazil, England and the likes – we have gotten to a Quarterfinals where a handball vs Germany kept us from advancing to the Semi’s for the first time ever (20 years ago). But those days are long gone. This team, this World Cup, which the US will host was supposed to be our coming out party – to show that the US has really gotten better at the world’s game. We already have more players playing for better teams overseas than ever before. The US DA Program now replaced with MLS Next has help produce our strongest ever group of players – we had more players play more games in the Champions League this season than ever before – and that was with Christian Pulisic not being in it this year. But man Botchitino has really screwed this thing up.
Hopefully I am wrong – and these desperate moves in our next to the last 2 games before the World Cup were part of some master Plan to lull the rest of the World to Sleep thinking the US is so bad we won’t get out of our Group. At our current Ranking of below 20 – our lowest ranking in 20+ years – that just might happen. I will go into player by player details on what went wrong – and what we must do next. (Man I wish Real Madrid had offered the Gig to Bochitino a month back). Anyway lots of stories below about how we lost and what’s next. Hey at least we aren’t Italy right? I will offer up my opinions next week. Meanwhile lets get ready to watch our REAL US National Team – our Women as they match-up against top 5 Japan. Bet they won’t lay an egg – Hayes unlike Botch – can actually coach!!
Indy 11 vs Monterey Bay – Sat 7 pm at The Mike
Indianapolis – Indy Eleven midfielder Jack Blake tied the franchise record with his 27th career goal in the Boys in Blue’s 1-1 draw vs. defending USL champion Pittsburgh Riverhounds at Carroll Stadium Sat night. Indy Eleven goalkeeper Eric Dick (former CHS, Butler and Carmel Dad’s GK) made a season-high seven saves in the match against the team that he helped lead to the 2025 title, winning the USL Championship MVP and Prinx Playoff MVP after allowing no goals in 450 minutes in four playoff games. Indy continue their three-match homestand next Saturday at 7 p.m. at Carroll Stadium vs. Monterey Bay FC in the annual “Kick for a Cause” game. Susan G. Komen®, the world’s leading breast cancer organization, is the spotlight partner. The match is part of the 2026 Scarf Series, so fans can purchase a ticket + knit scarf here. The Family Four-Pack is available for all 2026 home games and it can be purchased online only. Priced at just $49, the Family Four-Pack includes four tickets, FREE parking, $20 in Concession Vouchers, and a 20% Merchandise Discount, along with access to the Fun Zone/Kids Activation Area.
TV Schedule – Games on TV
Tues, Apr 7 3 pm Para+ Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich 3 pm Para+ Sporting CP vs Arsenal 8 pm FS2 Nashville SC vs America CCC 10 pm FS2 LAFC vs Cruz Azul CCC Wed, Apr 8 3 pm Para+ Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid 3 pm PAra+ PSG vs Liverpool 9 pm FS2 Tigres vs Seattle Sounders CCC 11 pm FS2 Toluca vs LA Galaxy CCC Thurs, Apr 9 Europa League 3 pm Para+ Bologna vs Aston Villa 3 pm PAra+ Porto vs Nottingham Forest 3 pm Para+ Crystal Palace (Richards) vs Fiorentina Sat, Apr 11 7;30 am USA Arsenal vs Bournemouth 9:30 am ESPN2 Dortmund vs Bayer Leverkusen (Tillman) 12:30 pm NBC Liverpool vs Fulham (Jedi) 4:30 pm Fox Portland Timbers vs LAFC 7 pm Indy 11 vs Monterey Bay Home 7:30 pm Apple Inter Miami vs NY Red Bulls Sun, Apr 12 11:30 am USA Chelsea vs Man City 7 pm TNT, HBO US Women vs Japan Tues, Apr 14 7 pm TNT, HBO US Women vs Japan Tues, Apr 17 9 pm TNT, HBO US Women vs Japan 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 Tix Sat, June 12 WORLD CUP 9 pm Fox, Tele, Peacock USA Men vs Paraguay World Cup Fri, June 19 3 pm Fox, Tele, Peacock USA Men vs Australia World Cup Thur, June 25 10 pm Fox, Tele, Peacock USA Men vs Australia World Cup
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LARNACA, CYPRUS – MARCH 19: Djordje Ivanovic of AEK Larnaca controls the ball whilst under pressure from Chris Richards of Crystal Palace during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 round of 16 second leg match between AEK Larnaca FC and Crystal Palace FC at AEK Arena on March 19, 2026 in Larnaca, Cyprus. (Photo by George Wood – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)UEFA via Getty Images
Midweek action is here. All kickoff times are in EST. All MLS games are available on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, as well as any other networks listed. Let’s get into it!
Monday
Juventus vs Genoa, 12p on Paramount+, DAZN: Weston McKennie and Juve host Genoa in Serie A.
Napoli vs AC Milan, 2:45p on Paramount+, DAZN: Christian Pulisic and Milan visit Napoli in Serie A.
Also in action:
Cesena vs Südtirol, 6:30a on Onefootball: Jonathan Klinsmann and Cesena host Südtirol in Serie B.
Lecce vs Atalanta, 9a on Paramount+, DAZN: Yunus Musah and Atalanta visit Lecce in Serie A.
Venezia vs Juve Stabia, 9a on Onefootball: Gianluca Busio and Venezia host Juve Stabia in Serie B.
Blackburn vs West Brom, 10a: George Campbell, Daryl Dike, and West Brom visit Blackburn Rovers in the EFL Championship.
Derby vs Stoke, 10a: Can Patrick Agyemang and Derby County do it on a rainy night in Stoke? Just kidding, this is a home game for Derby in the EFL Championship. Stoke is coming to them.
Watford vs Charlton, 10a on Paramount+: Charlie Kelman and Charlton Athletic visit Watford in the EFL Championship.
Swansea vs Middlesbrough, 12:30p on Paramount+: Aidan Morris and Boro visit Swansea in the EFL Championship.
Girona vs Villarreal, 3p on ESPN Select, ESPN Deportes, Fubo: Alex Freeman and Villarreal visit Girona in La Liga.
Hull vs Coventry, 3p on Paramount+, Prime Video: Haji Wright and Coventry City visit Hull City in the EFL Championship.
Tuesday
Nashville SC vs Club América, 8p on FS2, TUDN, Fubo, ViX: Alex Zendejas and América visit Matthew Corcoran and Nashville SC in the first leg of this Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinal.
Also in action:
NK Istra vs Hajduk Split, 12p: Rokas Pukštas and Hajduk Split visit NK Istra 1961 in the HNL (Croatia’s top division).
Independiente Petrolero vs Racing Club, 6p on beIN Sports, Fubo: Matko Miljevic and Racing are on the road to begin their Copa Sudamericana journey (they’re in Group E).
LAFC vs Cruz Azul, 10p on FS2, TUDN, Fubo, ViX: Timothy Tillman and LAFC host Cruz Azul to kick off their 2-game CCC quarterfinal.
Wednesday
Tigres UANL vs Seattle Sounders, 9p on FS2, TUDN, UniMás, Fubo, ViX, Univision NOW: Jordan Morris, Cristian Roldan, Jesús Ferreira, and the Sounders go to Monterrey to visit Tigres in this CCC quarterfinal first leg.
Toluca vs LA Galaxy, 11p on FS1, TUDN, UniMás, Fubo, ViX, Univision NOW: Harbor Miller and the Galaxy kick off their 2-game CCC quarterfinal on the road in Toluca.
Thursday
Crystal Palace vs Fiorentina, 3p on Paramount+, ViX: Chris Richards and Palace host Fiorentina in the first leg of this Conference League quarterfinal.
Also in action:
Mainz vs Strasbourg, 3p on Paramount+, ViX: Lennard Maloney and Mainz host Strasbourg in the first leg of this Conference League quarterfinal.
Friday
Paris FC vs Monaco, 1p on beIN Sports, Fubo (free trial): Folarin Balogun and AS Monaco visit Italian-American winger Luca Koleosho and Paris in Ligue 1.
Augsburg vs Hoffenheim, 2:30p on ESPN Select, Fubo: Noahkai Banks and Augsburg host Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga.
Marseille vs Metz, 3:05p on beIN Sports, Fubo: Tim Weah and OM host Metz in Ligue 1.
Also in action:
Düsseldorf vs Holstein Kiel, 12:30p on ESPN Select, Fubo: John Tolkin and Holstein Kiel visit Fortuna Düsseldorf in the 2. Bundesliga.
RB Salzburg vs LASK Linz, 1:30p: George Bello and LASK visit Salzburg in the Austrian Bundesliga. Japanese-American defender Anrie Chase has made 3 appearances for Salzburg since joining from VfB Stuttgart last August.
West Brom vs Millwall, 3p on Paramount+: George Campbell, Daryl Dike, and West Brom host Millwall in the EFL Championship.
That’s it! Did I miss anything that matters? Let me know in the comments below. Let’s see who stands out this week!
USWNT faces Japan, thrice
Emma Hayes thinks Japan is “without question” one of the favorites to win the 2027 World World Cup. So what better way to prepare for such an opponent 444 days out than to play the team … three times in a row? A little over a year ago, Japan defeated the U.S. 2-1 and handed Hayes her first loss as USWNT’s head coach. The Nadeshiko went on to win the 2025 SheBelieves Cup, breaking the Americans’ five-tournament streak. Like the Michael Jordan meme, Hayes took that personally. The U.S. hosts Japan on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. ET in San Jose, Calif.; on April 14 at 10 p.m. ET in Seattle; and on April 17 at 9 p.m. ET near Denver. The games will air on TNT and truTV and stream on HBO Max and Universo (in Spanish).
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US Open Cup Rd of 32 Apr 14 & 15
Every match from the Round of 32 will stream live on Paramount+ with select matches also co-airing on either CBS Sports Network or CBS Sports Golazo Network. CBS Sports will host The Golazo Show whip-around program highlighting every goal from eight April 15 matchups, beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET on Paramount+ and CBS Sports Golazo Network.
Round of 32 Schedule – 2026 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup
Home teams listed first; host priority order for Round of 16 matches in each group also listed; visit the schedule section of ussoccer.com/us-open-cupfor the most up to date details.
Tuesday, April 14 (all times ET)
New England Revolution vs. Rhode Island FC – 7 p.m. (Paramount+)
Louisville City FC vs. Austin FC – 7 p.m. (Paramount+ & CBS Sports Network)
Detroit City FC vs. Chicago Fire FC – 7:30 p.m. (Paramount+ & CBS Sports Golazo Network)
Westchester SC vs. New York City FC – 7:30 p.m. (Paramount+)
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC vs. Sporting Kansas City – 8 p.m. (Paramount+)
Colorado Rapids vs. Union Omaha – 9:30 p.m. (Paramount+ & CBS Sports Network)
Sacramento Republic FC vs. Minnesota United FC – 10 p.m. (Paramount+ & CBS Sports Golazo Network)
Wednesday, April 15 (all times ET)
FC Naples vs. Orlando City SC – 7 p.m. (Paramount+ & CBS Sports Network)
The Golazo Show – 7:30 p.m. (Paramount+ & CBS Sports Golazo Network)
Chattanooga FC vs. Atlanta United FC – 7:30 p.m. (Paramount+)
Richmond Kickers vs. Columbus Crew – 7:30 p.m. (Paramount+)
Red Bull New York vs. Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC – 7:30 p.m. (Paramount+)
Charlotte FC vs. Charlotte Independence – 7:30 p.m. (Paramount+)
D.C. United vs. One Knoxville SC – 7:30 p.m. (Paramount+)
St. Louis CITY SC vs. FC Tulsa – 8 p.m. (Paramount+)
Houston Dynamo FC vs. El Paso Locomotive FC – 8 p.m. (Paramount+)
San Jose Earthquakes vs. Phoenix Rising FC – 10 p.m. (Paramount+ & CBS Sports Golazo Network)
Champions League quarter-finals predictions, star players and youngsters to watch
Will Kylian Mbappe and Viktor Gyokeres be celebrating after the quarter-finals? Getty Images
By The Athletic UK Staff April 6, 2026Updated 5:05 am EDT
The Champions League quarter-finals kick off this week, with the path to the final in Budapest on May 30 now clear.
Real Madrid host Bayern Munich at the Bernabeu this Tuesday in the competition’s most-played fixture, while Premier League leaders Arsenal travel to Lisbon to face Sporting CP.Barcelona will play Atletico Madrid in an all-La Liga affair at the Camp Nou on Wednesday, while holders Paris Saint-Germain take on Liverpool at home in a replay of last season’s round of 16 tie, which Arne Slot’s side lost on penalties.
What is the most exciting tie?
Oliver Kay: Obvious answer: Real Madrid vs Bayern. I was surprised by how well Madrid performed against Manchester City and I’m fascinated to see whether they can repeat that against a Bayern team who appear to be coming to the boil nicely.
James Pearce: PSG vs Liverpool is going to be intriguing — the holders against the six-time winners. Their meeting at Anfield in the last 16 a year ago was an outstanding game. For Arne Slot’s Liverpool, it’s a revenge mission.
Mario Cortegana: Madrid vs Bayern. Bayern are the most in-form team in Europe, while Madrid seemed dead once again — until they returned to their fearsome best in their convincing win against City.
Joselu was Real Madrid’s unlikely hero when they faced Bayern Munich in the semi-finals two years agoDavid Ramos/Getty Images
Thom Harris: There have been plenty of goals in recent meetings between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, including a 4-4 draw and the recent Copa Del Rey semi-final, in which Simeone’s side took a 4-0 lead into the second leg and nearly threw it away. It should be action-packed.
Pol Ballus: There’s no debate: Bayern vs Madrid. The best team in Europe this season against the competition’s most successful club. Whoever wins, they will send a statement to the rest of the field.
Jack Lang: PSG vs Liverpool — their two games last year were absolutely absorbing and we have the added factor of Liverpool trying to salvage their season.
Amy Lawrence: Come on, everyone wants to watch boring Arsenal! Well, if not, it is hard to look beyond Real vs Bayern, which has all the classic feels.
How will each team feel about their chances in the quarter-finals and the rest of the tournament?
Kay: Premier League sides hold no fear for PSG, who beat City, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Arsenal en route to winning last season’s final in style, and who have already beaten Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea this time. Last season, they were a surprise package, having scraped through the league phase, whereas nobody will dare to underestimate them now. That brings its own pressure.
Pearce: Liverpool will be underdogs, but if they play with the tempo and intensity they showed in the second leg against Galatasaray, they’ll have a chance. It came down to fine margins when the clubs met last year, with PSG advancing on penalties. The return to fitness of Alexander Isak after three months out will also be a timely boost. But the absence of Alisson, who performed heroics in Paris a year ago, could hurt them. The Brazil ‘keeper is out with another hamstring injury, so the Georgian Giorgi Mamardashvili will deputise.
Cortegana: There was a lot of pessimism around Real Madrid after the round-of-16 draw — the bracket seemed particularly difficult — but morale soared after eliminating City, even if it has been slightly dampened by Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Mallorca in La Liga.
Harris: Atletico will have taken confidence from that Copa del Rey semi-final first leg drubbing of Barcelona, but will know they are unlikely to be so ruthless in front of goal once again — they also lost at home to them on Saturday in the league. They have serious firepower at their disposal, and while they might not be expecting to win the whole thing with — potentially — Arsenal to play next, they’ll be thinking: why not?
Barcelona failed to overturn a 4-0 loss in the Copa del Rey semi-finals against Atletico MadridJoan Gosa/Xinhua via Getty Images
Ballus: Barca have reasons to be optimistic. Simeone’s Atletico can be painful opponents, but Hansi Flick’s side have already learned their lesson this season in that Copa semi-final, when they realised they sometimes had to be more pragmatic. They then got the 2-1 La Liga away win over Atletico this weekend. Flick’s team can’t have any complaints about the draw, although they could face Arsenal in the semi-finals. That would be a whole different story.
Seb Stafford-Bloor: Bayern will be respectful, but confident. Nobody has Real Madrid’s mythology in the Champions League, but Bayern have every right to see themselves as the better side. Jamal Musiala and Alphonso Davies remain injury doubts, at least for the first leg, but Kompany’s side will still pack quite a punch.
Lang: Just reaching the quarter-finals counts as a significant achievement for Sporting, especially given they lost the first leg of their round-of-16 tie 3-0 against Bodo/Glimt. They will know they are underdogs against Arsenal. The question is whether the Portuguese side can leverage the psychological advantage of having nothing to lose.
Lawrence: Arsenal have fresh memories of a 5-1 win at Sporting last season, so they won’t be intimidated. Unhelpfully, they have their most pivotal league game (Manchester City away) just after, but that’s the deal when chasing multiple trophies. Their draw is generous, but anything goes from semis onwards.
Which star player will define these quarter-finals?
Pearce: Dominik Szoboszlai. The Hungary captain is having an outstanding season for Liverpool and he has the added motivation of the final being in Budapest. He has become Liverpool’s talisman.
Dominik Szoboszlai will be targeting a Champions League final in his native HungaryCarl Recine/Getty Images
Cortegana: Vinicius Junior. Real Madrid’s Brazil forward was the most decisive player against Benfica and City, and his impact in the knockout rounds of this competition is extraordinary at 25 years old.
Harris: If Atletico are to cause a ripple, Julian Alvarez will be front and centre. The Argentina striker is a relentless presser from the front, carries the ball forward with power and authority, and looks increasingly sharp in front of goal.
Ballus: Pedri. The Barcelona and Spain midfielder has a history of outstanding performances against Atletico in the past couple of seasons and is still returning to his best after recovering from a hamstring injury. Against Simeone’s entrenched defence, his wisdom in midfield could make the difference.
Stafford-Bloor: Harry Kane. The last time Bayern faced Real Madrid in the semi-finals in 2024, Kane was not really fit and was rushed on to the pitch because of the tie’s importance. Two years on, the England captain is fitter, arguably in the form of his career and is comfortably Bayern’s most influential player. If he runs the game, they will win.
Lang: Kane for me, too. He looked incredibly hungry in the second leg against Atalanta. Real Madrid’s defence is more vulnerable than City made it look — I expect Bayern to cause all sorts of problems, with Kane leading the charge.
Lawrence: If Arsenal are to keep going, Declan Rice and Gabriel have to continue being their powerhouses. But Bayern and PSG have that extra Champions League nous, so it’s between Kane and the Ballon d’Or-winning Ousmane Dembele as the attacking leaders of their packs.
Which up-and-coming player should I be looking out for?
Kay: What Pau Cubarsi is doing is pretty extraordinary. The Spain centre-back has only just turned 19 and is totally at home at the heart of Barcelona’s defence. He didn’t enjoy the first half against Newcastle United in the round of 16 second leg, but he is a serious talent with a great career ahead of him.
Ballus: Keep an eye on Marc Bernal, too — another 18-year-old from La Masia, Barca’s famed academy, with sky-high potential. Some suggested he was the heir to Sergio Busquets, but he also has an incredible sense for goal despite being a holding midfielder.
Pearce: Rio Ngumoha. Liverpool’s 17-year-old winger is unlikely to start either leg against PSG but could well make an impact off the bench. He’s quick and direct.
Cortegana:Bayern’s attacking midfielder Lennart Karl. At just 18, he has registered four goals and two assists in the tournament, and this is a great opportunity to see him on the biggest stage.
Lennart Karl is an exciting prospect for Bayern MunichAlexander Hassenstein/Getty Images
Lang: I really like watching Fermin Lopez. The 22-year-old doesn’t quite have the technical grace of Pedri or the great schemers of Barca’s past, but he just consistently makes things happen. He scores goals, creates space for others, appears in big moments… the very definition of an all-action midfielder.
Stafford-Bloor: Aleksandar Pavlovic. The 21-year-old Bayern midfielder is still underestimated, but he relishes the big games and his metronomic passing always seems at its sharpest when the pressure is ratcheted up. Remember the performance he gave against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu last time? He was nerveless for a then 19-year-old.
Harris: How about Sporting’s Goncalo Inacio? The 24-year-old is a strong, left-footed centre-back who can whip the ball through the lines and dominate aerial duels. He’ll be busy against Arsenal, but he is quickly emerging as a defensive leader who will be on the radar of Europe’s elite.
How do you feel about the next round’s fixtures already being set?
Kay: Even as someone who is very ‘old man yelling at clouds’ about so many of the changes made to European football over the last couple of decades, I cannot find anything to dislike about this one. For one thing, it helps fans — and media outlets — plan travel.
Lawrence: I suspect the brackets are more interesting to those who don’t have a vested interest. If your team are involved, the excitement about who comes next or is avoided is a wonderful part of fandom. That is missed.
Who’s your prediction to win the whole thing and has it changed from the last round?
Kay: Arsenal. For one thing, without wishing to disrespect Sporting, Mikel Arteta’s team have by far the most straightforward route to the semi-final. For another thing, they have a defensive solidity that means they won’t be torn apart the way City, Chelsea, Tottenham and Newcastle United were in the last round. But, at some point, they will have to show more as an attacking force.
Arsenal will be pleased with their semi-final draw against SportingVince Mignott/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images
Pearce: I make Bayern favourites, but if Liverpool get past PSG, they’ll have a real chance. As erratic as they have been domestically this season, Slot’s side have beaten Real Madrid, Atletico and last season’s finalists Inter.
Cortegana: It will be Bayern or Arsenal, but I give Real Madrid a much better chance now than in recent months.
Harris: I echo the others. Bayern look pretty irresistible going forward and their constant rotations make them a nightmare to defend against, even for Arsenal. That would probably be my final, where the quality of Kane and Michael Olise will tell.
Ballus: Bayern, and that has not changed from the last round. They’ve been the best team in the competition so far and have the perfect combination of a top-end squad and an exciting coaching staff led by Kompany who are hungry for success.
Stafford-Bloor: It’s still Bayern. PSG have improved a lot in recent months and have found a menacing rhythm, and it’s hard not to be impressed by what Barcelona did to Newcastle. But with the Bundesliga basically won already and Bayern best-placed to survive these knockout rounds, I predict they’ll beat a jaded Arsenal in the final.
Lang: After watching PSG huff and puff their way past Monaco in the punishment play-off round, I wasn’t too hot on them defending their Champions League crown. Now, though, they look to be relocating a bit of the swagger that made them so good last season. Granted, Chelsea were in an incredibly generous mood over two legs, but even the best teams need a jumpstart now and then. I expect Luis Enrique’s team to make a statement against Liverpool and they’ll be hard to stop from there.
Lawrence: Assuming Bayern or PSG emerge from their brutal side of the draw, they have to be heavy favourites. If there is potential for an underdog, wouldn’t it be something to have a new winner (mentioning no names, ahem)?
Ranking the eight 2025-26 Champions League quarter-finalists
Arsenal’s David Raya and Bayern’s Harry Kane will both have designs on the Champions League this season Getty Images
We are down to the final eight in the Champions League after a riveting round of 16 that saw an astonishing 68 goals scored across 16 matches.Seven of the eight ties saw one team score at least four goals. Two teams scored eight while Bayern Munich hit double figures against Atalanta on aggregate. We don’t know if the quarter-finals will be as explosive, but we do know that they will provide us with some classic matchups.Throughout this Champions league campaign, The Athletic’s projections — powered by Opta — have assessed each team’s chances of making it out of the league phase and each knockout round.
So here, with just eight storied clubs remaining, we rank their chances of lifting the famous trophy in Budapest on May 30.
8) Sporting CP
Cards on the table, there is an argument to be made for our projections underestimating Sporting.
We backed Bodo/Glimt to beat them in the round of 16 despite being given a 37 per cent chance of making it past the reigning Portuguese champions after the draw. A 3-0 home win in Bodo increased that to an 87 per cent chance of making it through.
Sporting defied the odds (literally) to take the match to extra time and score two more to end the fairytale with a 5-0 win on the night. Unfortunately, their prize for doing so was a quarter-final against Arsenal.
Our projections give them just a 21 per cent chance of making it past a team they have beaten just once in seven meetings, scoring nine goals and conceding 15. It would take a Herculean effort from a team that does have stars in Goncalo Inacio, Morten Hjulmand, Maximiliano Araujo and Luis Suarez to defeat the best team in Europe.
Sporting produced a monumental comeback against Bodo/Glimt in the second legGualter Fatia/Getty Images
7) Atletico Madrid
The attacking firepower Atletico possess is scary, but they can also look very vulnerable defensively, a marked change from Diego Simeone’s previous years in charge.
A desperate Tottenham Hotspur ran them ragged to win the second leg 3-2 after self-imploding to hand Atletico a 5-2 advantage after the first leg and Bodo beat them 2-1 in Madrid. Barcelona, who possess more quality across the board than either of those teams, will pose a challenge to a team trying to get into the last four for the first time since making two finals and a semi-final in four seasons between 2014 and 2017.
Our projections duly give them just a 34 per cent of making it past Hansi Flick’s side.
There are reasons to be positive, though. Across that four-season run, Atletico twice eliminated Barcelona, even seeing off the ‘MSN’ triumvirate of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar Jr in 2016.Most importantly, beating Spurs meant they inherited their league-phase home advantage, which ensures a second leg in Madrid. Having beaten Barcelona 4-0 in Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-finals, they will be confident of overturning any deficit or holding on to any lead they bring back from the Camp Nou for the second leg.
6) Liverpool
The 4-0 thrashing of Galatasaray should instil some confidence in Arne Slot’s team, who have enjoyed very few comprehensive victories in 2025-26. But even the most optimistic fans on the red half of Merseyside will be concerned about facing Paris Saint-Germain at this stage of the season.
There is scar tissue from just over a year ago when Ousmane Dembele scored at Anfield and set PSG on their way to the quarter-finals via a penalty shootout, and eventual Champions League glory. Watching PSG thrash Chelsea 8-2 on aggregate while dragging them all over the place will not have soothed those wounds, either.
Liverpool’s Galatasaray win was promptly followed by a 2-1 league defeat to Brighton, continuing a trend that has plagued their campaign. Their 5-1 win at Eintracht Frankfurt in September was followed by successive defeats. Their 3-0 win at Marseille in January was instantly succeeded by a 3-2 defeat at Bournemouth. They beat West Ham 5-2 in February but then lost 2-1 to Wolves.
Our projections give Liverpool a reasonable-looking 44 per cent chance of making it past PSG, who they beat 1-0 at the Parc des Princes last season a week before the Anfield reverse, courtesy of an inspired Alisson performance in goal.
Liverpool found some form against Galatasaray, but can they do the same against the European champions?Michael Regan/Getty Images
5) Real Madrid
Alvaro Arbeloa became the first Madrid manager to win each of his first four knockout games in the competition, seeing off Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola in those matches. He has got the 15-time European champions playing to their strengths with a simple system that prioritises individual expression within a set structure.While Manchester City threatened them even after going down to 10 men at the Etihad, it was the kind of open game Madrid have often thrived in in the Champions League. The boundless athleticism of Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni, Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe, among others, along with the technical skill of Arda Guler, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Brahim Diaz, make that possible.But Bayern will pose the biggest test yet — a well-drilled unit capable of shutting teams down and destroying them too. Madrid could also be without Thibaut Courtois — along with confirmed absentee Rodrygo — for at least the first leg.But this is a rivalry in which they have had the upper hand in recent meetings. Madrid ditched Bayern out of the competition at the semi-final stage in 2023-24, 2017-18, and 2013-14, and in the quarter-finals in 2016-17.Our projections give them only a 40 per cent chance of making it through but ‘Champions League’ Madrid are a unique team — Bayern, of all opponents, will be well aware of that.
Few teams enjoy getting up close and personal with Real Madrid in the Champions LeagueCarl Recine/Getty Images
4) Barcelona
An eventual 7-2 scoreline in the second leg may have flattered Barcelona given Newcastle United were on an even footing with them for nearly 75 per cent of the tie. But this has not been uncommon under Flick. When things click and the team shifts into gear, they overwhelm opponents, and the goals tend to flow at a frightening pace, knocking opponents to the floor and keeping them there.
That has not been the case much this season, though, with fatigue from a hectic 2024-25 and injuries to the playing squad preventing them from gathering momentum. But the Newcastle win — alongside a 5-2 thrashing of Sevilla days before that and a hard-fought 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano before the break — could finally kickstart their campaign.Pedri is back to full fitness, Robert Lewandowski is back among the goals and Lamine Yamal is… well, Lamine Yamal. Add in the eventual returns from injury of Frenkie de Jong, Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde, and it is understandable why our projections give them the second-best chances of making the last four at 66 per cent.While the 4-0 loss to Atletico in the Copa del Rey will sting, Barcelona have beaten them by a combined 6-1 at the Camp Nou. They will also play Simeone’s side three times in 10 days: April 4 in La Liga and April 6 and 14 in the Champions League.
3) Paris Saint-Germain
It’s March and PSG are a force to be reckoned with again — the sense of deja vu from 2025 will not be lost on the remaining seven teams.
The win over Chelsea saw Luis Enrique’s side at their ruthless best, punishing miscues and scoring eight times from an expected goals tally of just 2.1. The finishes were excellent but the fluidity in their attacking moves, facilitated by basically everybody except the centre-backs moving into whatever spaces they wanted, was a joy to watch.
Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Bradley Barcola all look back to their sharpest. Fabian Ruiz is still out but Vitinha, Joao Neves and Warren Zaire-Emery are driving a capable midfield, while Nuno Mendes can terrorise full-backs on one end and lock up wingers on the other.
Acoording to our projections, PSG trail Barcelona in the odds to reach the semi-finals (56 vs 66 per cent) and win it all (12 vs 16 per cent). But their modern-day pedigree keeps them marginally ahead.
Can PSG become the first team other than Real Madrid to retain the European Cup since Milan in 1990?Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
2) Bayern Munich
Bayern are the best attacking side left in the Champions League and duly pummelled Atalanta 10-1 in the round of 16.
Harry Kane has been arguably the world’s best player in 2025-26, racking up 48 goals in just 40 club games. Michael Olise leads Europe’s top five leagues in assists with 17, adding 11 goals to that mix too. Luis Diaz has been a brilliant foil too, while Serge Gnabry is enjoying yet another renaissance.
Jamal Musiala, Lennart Karl and Nicolas Jackson round out an attacking unit that can hurt defences in every way possible.
Bayern have a solid back line too and have been creative with their out-of-possession work, with their players covering for each other admirably. Dayot Upamecano, Konrad Laimer and Jonathan Tah have been the team’s unsung stars.
Michael Olise has been arguably the most creative force in European football this seasonMarco BERTORELLO / AFP via Getty Images
Exorcising the ghosts of past losses to Real Madrid is a top priority. Our projections give Bayern a 60 per cent chance of making the last four, but it is hardly ever that straightforward against Madrid, who will aim to make this game as transitional as possible. Bayern have the pace in attack to make them pay but will their defence be able to hang on against Mbappe, Vinicius and company?
We are coming up to six years since their last treble in 2019-20 under Flick, which came seven years after their first in 2012-13 under Jupp Heynckes. With the league title wrapped up and the team into the German cup semi-finals for the first time since winning it in 2020, could a third treble in 14 years be on the cards?
1) Arsenal
Their reliance on defensive solidity and corners may ruffle a few feathers, but Arsenal remain top of our projections with a 30 per cent chance of winning the Champions League.
The draw fell in their favour after topping the league phase in the way Liverpool must have been hoping for in 2024-25 when they did the same. Bayer Leverkusen posed a stiff challenge in Germany but fell 2-0 at the Emirates despite recording more possession (58 vs 42 per cent). Arsenal have a 79 per cent chance of defeating quarter-final opponents Sporting, which would pit them against Barcelona or Atletico.
Mikel Arteta’s side will need to adapt a little in Europe, especially regarding corners, with Champions League officiating more stringent than in England. They also need to move past their only knockout loss of the season in the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City in which they looked bereft of ideas in possession and were outfoxed without it.
Arsenal can surely be counted on to solve their out-of-possession issues, given it is the area Arteta has improved them the most in during his time in north London. Eberechi Eze suffering a calf injury that will rule him out for at least a month is a concern, but Martin Odegaard’s return from an injury of his own should add some much-needed verve and creativity.
Sophia Wilson, Tierna Davidson return to USWNT roster for Japan friendlies this weekend and next week
Sophia Wilson is back on the USWNT roster for the first time since October 2024. Denis Poroy / Imagn Images
The Portland Thorns’ Sophia Wilson will make her return to the roster for the first time since giving birth to her daughter. Wilson, who last featured in October 2024 before going on maternity leave, joins Trinity Rodman to form two-thirds of ‘Triple Espresso’ as the USWNT prepares for three critical matches against Japan, and are ranked fifth in the world, according to FIFA. The last time the two sides met was at the 2025 SheBelieves Cup, which Japan won after beating the U.S. 2-1. Center back Tierna Davidson has also earned her first national team call up since sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury last March. Davidson, who plays for reigning National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) champions Gotham FC, . Winger Michelle Cooper of the Kansas City Current is also back in the lineup for the first time this year after missing previous camps due to injury. The USWNT will play Japan three times in as many venues: PayPal Park in San Jose on April 11, Lumen Field in Seattle on April 14, and Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colo. on April 17.
USWNT April roster in full
Goalkeepers (3): Jane Campbell (Houston Dash, 10), Claudia Dickey (Seattle Reign FC; 8), Phallon Tullis-Joyce (Manchester United, ENG; 6)
Forwards (7): Michelle Cooper (Kansas City Current; 10/1), Jameese Joseph (Chicago Stars FC; 4/1), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit; 52/13), Emma Sears (Racing Louisville FC; 17/6), Ally Sentnor (Kansas City Current; 18/7), Alyssa Thompson (Chelsea FC, ENG; 29/4), Sophia Wilson (Portland Thorns FC; 58/24)
Wilson’s club form, Davidson’s recovery afford them USWNT invitations
Though she’s yet to score a goal or play a full 90 minutes with the Thorns this season, Wilson has provided plenty of evidence in the space of four games of what she is capable of. With roughly 15 minutes in her first regular-season match since her maternity leave (which happened to be against another “espresso shot” in Rodman and the Washington Spirit), followed by 30, 45, and 68, Wilson’s hold-up play, incisive defending, and nose for goal haven’t waned during her time away from the pitch. It’s possible she sees her first 90 minutes since her return with the USWNT in one of the Japan games, but no matter how much she plays, it’s an important time to get back in the national team fold as the team prepares for World Cup qualifiers later this year. Wilson needs time to adjust to head coach Emma Hayes’ tactics and system (which her teammates have spent the better part of last year doing), as well as building or rebuilding partnerships with players like Alyssa Thompson, Michelle Cooper, and Emma Sears, who have been called up more regularly in her absence. Davidson hasn’t played quite as many minutes on her own return to the pitch. Nonetheless, her inclusion in this squad reveals where Hayes’ head could be regarding her proximity to the core group of players bound for Brazil — especially considering it likely meant leaving Tara Rudd of the Washington Spirit off the roster.
Consistency solidifying in the midfield
With the exception of 20-year-old Riley Jackson of the North Carolina Courage, the seven midfielders called up to this camp are the same who featured at the SheBelieves Cup last month. That includes Gotham FC’s Jaedyn Shaw, who has missed her last two club games due to a hamstring injury.
Emma Hayes appears to be building her team around a core midfield group that includes Jaedyn Shaw.Adam Hunger / Getty Images
As the USWNT backline and attacking front remain in flux, the consistency in call ups between the last international window and this one hints at Hayes’ core forming literally at the center of the pitch. She’s experimented with different line-ups among these seven players as well, demonstrating their malleability according to the needs of the game. It also helps that many of these players — Coffey, Hutton, and Moultrie in particular — have put on strong performances with their club teams lately.
Japan has exceptionally talented midfielders who are sure to pose the toughest test the USWNT has faced all year. Now that this emerging midfield core has played a tournament together, they will be asked to put what they’ve learned to use, not just once but three times.
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Campbell, Sams inclusions prove club form matters
Fittingly, Campbell’s last appearance on the USWNT was on Feb. 26, 2025 against Japan in the SheBelieves Cup finale. Should the 31-year-old earn another cap during this window, she could have an opportunity to display the form she’s had recently with the Dash, who are 2-1 and occupy the fifth spot in the NWSL table with a game in hand.
Campbell has made 12 saves so far this season, kept two clean sheets, and has saved 85.7 percent of shots on goal, according to Fbref. Since Campbell’s last call-up, Hayes had opted for younger goalkeepers like Bay FC’s Jordan Silkowitz as a replacement to an injured core player. That Hayes has opted for Campbell this time around feels a reflection of her club performances.
Sams has been called up more consistently than Campbell but does not always play significant minutes. Unlike Rudd, Sams missed out on the SheBelieves Cup but has since settled in nicely at Angel City. She’s started all three of their games and played next to veteran Sarah Gorden or Savy King in center-back pairings that have helped the Los Angeles side to their best start in club history at 3-0 and a clean sheet.
With the national team, Sams has been positioned as a full-back, though with Davidson presumably on limited minutes and the defensive flanks secured by Fox, Thompson, Reale, and Patterson, Sams could find her way back to the center of the pitch against Japan.
Pochettino admits U.S. World Cup roster selection will be ‘painful’ following Portugal loss
U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino reacts during the international friendly between his team and Portugal. Rich von Biberstein / Icon Sportswire / Getty Images
ATLANTA — Mauricio Pochettino admitted he faces a series of “painful” decisions in selecting his final United States World Cup squad after Tuesday’s 2-0 defeat to Portugal left a number of questions unanswered.ochettino’s side now has no more friendlies remaining before the planned May 26th squad announcement in New York, and the coach insisted several places are still up for grabs.“They know that it’s going to be a competition,” Pochettino said, after goals from Francisco Trincão and João Félix sealed a second straight defeat. “They know we are going to see every single week, every single game and we are going to assess one year and a half or more and make the decision who (is) going to make the roster.”
Asked how many players remained in contention, Pochettino made it clear there is still some ways to go before he settles on who he wants to suit up for the nation’s first home World Cup since 1994.“Today, yes, maybe a few more (than 35),” when asked how many remain in with a chance. “It is going to be painful because that process … is going to be difficult to pick only 26 from 35, 40.
“Who will be there is going to be happy, who is not on the roster is going to be sad.”
Pochettino said he took positives out of this March window despite Tuesday’s result following a 5-2 defeat to Belgium on Saturday, saying that he felt the team showed well against two top opponents.
“We were competing well, but still we need to learn a lot,” Pochettino said.
“We are competing against Belgium, Portugal,” he added, pointing out that both European teams are ranked in the top 10 by FIFA. “I think for sure Belgium and Portugal have in the top 100 players, a few or some playing in that top 100. I think we don’t have. That is why it’s good to play against these types of teams.”
Pochettino said he was happy overall with the camp. With just a few months ahead of picking his World Cup roster, Pochettino said he felt he had a better idea of the players and what they needed to do to be ready.
It was a continued message throughout the press conference from the U.S. coach, who was focused more on what he felt the team learned and the way it showed a better understanding of what is needed to compete against top teams than he was in the result of a “non-official” game.
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Some of the mistakes that were being made in the game — he pointed to Antonee Robinson’s high position on Portugal’s first goal as an example — are small details that he believes will be honed and tweaked in a longer World Cup camp. They are “fixable” issues. The bigger learnings came from the level of the opponents.
“We are going to have three, four weeks to prepare for the World Cup and going to be pushing these types of situations (to learn),” Pochettino said. “After four months (away from the national team), you don’t have much time (together), you tell players, but players have to feel (it) on the pitch. These types of mistakes are not crazy, but in these types of games, players like (Portugal’s stars), when you give them a centimeter, it’s possible for them to score.”
Pochettino said he was pleased with Christian Pulisic’s performance as the starting striker for the U.S. on Portugal, even though he wasn’t able to break his scoring drought.
“I think he was very active and he did a good job,” Pochettino said. “He was involved in (a lot) of actions. It was a shame he didn’t score with the opportunities he had, but it’s normal he was a little frustrated, but I think we were a little bit frustrated the whole game.”
‘Why not us?’ Mauricio Pochettino asked the USMNT. Belgium and Portugal answered.
ATLANTA — When Mauricio Pochettino gathered his U.S. men’s national team players on the first full day of a crucial March training camp, he spoke to them about belief. He exuded a calm confidence that built around the U.S. team this fall, that swept up fans who dared to dream. They talked then about doing “the impossible,” about charging deeper into a men’s World Cup than ever before. Now, standing on a training pitch outside Atlanta last week, Pochettino asked his players: “Why not us?”nd on Saturday and Tuesday, Belgium and Portugal delivered answers.The answer was Vitinha’s pass to Bruno Fernandes on Tuesday night. It was Jérémy Doku’s electrifying 1-v-1 ability three days earlier. It was, in Pochettino’s words, “small details,” the type that separated the USMNT and European powers over the past week — and over the past decade.
“Why not us?”Well, to win a World Cup, you almost certainly have to beat multiple top-10 European teams. And the U.S. hasn’t beaten one in nearly 11 years.It has now lost eight straight games to European nations, regardless of rank, the second-longest such streak in program history, per TruMedia. And it is winless in 10 World Cup matches against teams from the continent since 2002.
The U.S. believed, and players insist they still do. But they also made minor mistakes Saturday and Tuesday — mistakes that go unnoticed against lowly Concacaf teams but get punished by the likes of Portugal and Belgium. It’s a lagging recovery run. It’s a foolish pass or a poor first touch. It’s a jump into the wrong passing lane. It’s Antonee Robinson cheating too high, plus a half dozen other “details” that allowed Portugal to take a 1-0 lead.“In that situation, we need to read [the game] better,” Pochettino said of the sequence that led to the first Portuguese goal in a simple 2-0 win.“This type of mistakes, they are not crazy,” he continued. “But in this type of game, players like [Pedro] Neto, [Gonçalo] Ramos, Bruno, João Félix — when you give a centimeter, it’s possible that they can score. That was what happened.”
João Félix’s world-class ability made an impact against the United States.Rich von Biberstein / Icon Sportswire / Getty Images
That’s what happened Tuesday. That’s what happened Saturday. That’s what happened last June against Switzerland. It also happened in 2023 against Germany, and at the 2022 World Cup against the Netherlands.For extended stretches of some of those games, the USMNT was competitive. It was better than Belgium for 40 minutes. It was on the front foot for 20 against Portugal. It looked like a coherent, well-coached team. It played with confidence and even attitude, just as it had for spells against the Germans and Dutch years ago.What it lacked was top-end talent. Individual quality. Pochettino essentially said this Tuesday.
“We are USA. And we are competing against Belgium, Portugal,” he said. “For sure, Belgiumand Portugal have, in the top 100 players [in the world], a few or some players in that top 100. I think we don’t have.”That, of course, is an oversimplified view of soccer, a wonderfully complex sport. Underdogs beat favorites all the time. Intensity and organization, intangibles and tactics, randomness and luck can all close quality gaps on any given day. They have for U.S. men’s national teams in the past. Someday, they’ll do so again.
But it’s been a damn long time since the USMNT sustained them for 90 minutes. And at the final whistle Tuesday, shoulders sank. Heads hung. Bodies moped. Chris Richards tugged at his jersey in frustration.Pochettino, when asked if he worried that the players would lose belief, seemed perplexed by the concept.
“Who start to lose belief? Which players?” he asked.
When told that none of them had ever beaten a top European team, he responded: “Yeah, but always it’s — hope the first time is going to be in the World Cup. We need to learn. That is why we are playing this type of game.”
Manager Mauricio Pochettino gives a miffed reaction as the U.S. fell to Portugal in AtlantaAndrew J. Clark / ISI Photos / USSF / Getty Images
The players, for their part, said they are indeed learning. Some have hardly seen this level before. The USMNT’s schedule is now largely filled by games within Concacaf.
When they met the likes of Portugal, Auston Trusty saw “the ruthlessness of the finishing.”
Sebastian Berhalter felt, for the first time, a different type of soccer. “When you play against these teams, it’s a lot less chaotic than you would think,” he said. “It’s a lot more controlled. Guys have great first touches, so, pressing, it makes it even harder.”
The U.S. did press effectively up until the game’s first hydration break. That, and the entire first half, fueled the players’ persistent belief.
“I mean, both first halves, we caused the teams a lot of problems, we put a lot of pressure on them,” Christian Pulisic said of Belgium and Portugal. “It didn’t seem like either game was out of control.”
Advertisementhe shortcoming, he acknowledged, was “just little moments, or being a little bit more clinical. It’s just the same story. But I feel really close. I feel like we’re in a good place.”
USMNT players have two more matches before the World Cup group stageOmar Vega / USSF / Getty Images
In that sense, their belief is totally valid and logical. In both games this month, just like against the Netherlands in 2022, they can point to moments, to specific chances that, if they’d been converted, could have led to very different conclusions. They are, or at least seem, within reach of international soccer’s upper echelons. It would be foolish to say they cannot beat Germany in June or Turkey at the World Cup or someone even better in the knockout stages.
But it was also impossible to escape the feeling that Portugal was toying with the U.S. — just like Germany and the Netherlands did a few years ago.
And it was hard to see how the U.S. would beat a team of that caliber. The Americans can, but there is increasingly little reason to believe they will.
Late last week, after repeating his “why not us” line to reporters, Pochettino was asked: Why? Can you sell to the average American why the U.S. is a contender for the World Cup?
The crux of his answer was: “Because we are American.”
And on Tuesday night, after all the momentum from the fall had fizzled, although he repeatedly reiterated a positive message, the belief felt a bit more like blind faith.
“When we match the opponent in the areas that we need to match,” Pochettino said, “for sure we are going to have the possibility to beat them.”
Pulisic concluded: “We’re gonna figure it out. We’re gonna figure it out when it really counts.”
USA 0, Portugal 2: Decisive loss, Pulisic struggles cap last pre-World Cup window
ATLANTA — The U.S. men’s national team get a second consecutive lesson in quality from a European power Tuesday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, losing to Portugal 2-0 in a friendly that brought the Americans further down to earth.They’d hoped to respond to Saturday’s 5-2 shellacking by Belgium. For around 20 minutes, they did — with energy and attacking intent.But Portugal slowly, gradually, took control of the game and punished the U.S. for a lapse — just as Belgium had three days earlier.
In the 36th minute, a few scruffy passes led to a U.S. turnover. The ball fell to Portugal’s Vitinha, who, with a quick glance, sent U.S. midfielder Aidan Morris jumping into the wrong passing lane. Vitinha played in Bruno Fernandes, who, as U.S. players lagged behind the play, set up Francisco Trincão for the game’s opening goal.USA’s World Cup Group Is SetTurkey completes USA’s World Cup group, ramps up overall difficultyTurkey outlasted Kosovo for one of the final places in the 2026 World Cup and will be the U.S.’s last group opponentAfter the break, the match fell into a familiar rhythm. The U.S. was never overwhelmed; but, with a lineup of mostly reserves, it never really looked capable of scoring or getting back into the game.In the 59th minute, Portugal struck again. João Félix pinged in a shot from outside the box off the post. U.S. goalkeeper Matt Freese had no chance.
By the midway point of the second half, the U.S. fans among the 72,297 in attendance seemed to have lost hope. The atmosphere felt dead. And a March window that began with optimism ended with a whimper.Here’s a closer look at the match:
João Félix shoots past Aidan Morris and scores Portugal’s second goalJared C. Tilton / Getty Images
A similar script unfolds
It was impossible to ignore the similarities between the respective starts of the Belgium and Portugal games. In both contests, the U.S. players looked confident and dangerous as they attacked their opponent. They created chances. They combined nicely. They caused problems. Then the hydration break came. Belgium players talked on Saturday about how the first-half hydration break — which FIFA will mandate at the World Cup no matter the venue or weather — allowed a crucial opportunity for the coaching staff to reset tactics and adjust to what the Americans were doing. Belgium put more players into midfield. They looked to isolate Jérémy Doku more on the wing and create 1-on-1 opportunities. The U.S. would score first in that game, but Belgium seized control of the match and cruised to a win. On Tuesday, the U.S. again looked dangerous and competent in the attack. Defensively it was a bit more solid. Portugal seemed, like Belgium, to absorb that energy and figure out what the U.S.’s plan was. Then, after the hydration break, the visitors settled into the game and took control. They kept the ball and made the U.S. work. They pressed effectively. And after forcing a turnover at midfield, Vitinha needed just one pass to carve up the U.S. and set up Bruno Fernandes’ assist to Trincão.It’s a concerning similarity. The U.S. needs to be ready for adjustments at the World Cup. And it needs to be able to counterpunch. In both March friendlies, it was the opponents who took advantage.
Christian Pulisic couldn’t break his scoring drought vs. PortugalJared C. Tilton / Getty Images
Pulisic starts at striker but can’t break through
Pulisic entered this March camp without a goal in 2026, and without a goal for the national team since 2024. Two days after he missed a pivotal chance against Belgium and extended the drought, Pochettino spoke about tweaking his star’s position.
“We know that he can score,” Pochettino said. “Maybe we help a little bit, [and move him] a little bit closer to the goal.”
Up until Portugal’s first goal, the U.S. created better chances. The two best opportunities fell to Pulisic, whom Pochettino had moved to a center forward position in an attempt to get him out of a rut.
Instead, Pulisic dug himself deeper. In the sixth minute, when free in the box, his finish was weak and saved. In the 22nd, a Tim Weah cross fizzed right through Pulisic’s legs.
Like on Saturday, Pulisic looked dangerous running at the Portuguese defense but out of sync in the penalty box. He closed his 45 minutes kicking out at an opponent in frustration. He was then subbed out at halftime.
Tuesday was the first time since taking over as coach in 2024, Pochettino started Pulisic in place of a natural striker rather than alongside one. Pulisic has mostly played for the U.S. in a left attacking midfield role, somewhere in between a winger and a No. 10. Here he was a center forward, paired up top with fellow attacking midfielder Weston McKennie. And although his movements and role changed, his performance in front of goal did not.
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He combined well in the position with McKennie and Malik Tillman. He looked reasonably comfortable — which is unsurprising, given that Pulisic has played in a front two at AC Milan. His off-ball running was smart. His dribbling was purposeful and sharp. Anywhere outside the box, he looked confident.
There were moments, again, where the U.S. played well. And there were players whose efforts met the moment. But once again there were periods of play where the U.S. was too slow to react, too delayed in their recoveries and a step behind the required effort to make the play. Mauricio Pochettino highlighted the team’s lack of intensity in his prematch comments, but the challenge wasn’t met.Unsurprisingly, there were examples on both goals. Heavy touches in midfield from both Malik Tillman and Alex Freeman eventually led to McKennie’s turnover. Then, after Aidan Morris tried to jump the pass, which allowed Vitinha to skin the U.S., Morris and Tillman were far too slow to recover into the box to defend, which gave Trincão the space to trail Fernandes and score the opener.Portugal’s second goal, on a designed set piece, highlighted it again. João Félix had the time to take a touch and set up the volley he lasered into the bottom corner of the far post. Morris was the closest to it, and afterwards, the big screen in Mercedes-Benz Stadium showed the midfielder pointing to his own chest after the goal.Against teams like Belgium and Portugal, all that’s needed is that half second or half space. Over the last three days, the U.S. was taught that lesson multiple times.By the end of the game, it felt more like a training session for Portugal than anything really productive for the U.S. Portugal was given far too much time and space on the ball. It was toying with the U.S. at times. It felt so far removed from a game with stakes — just as it felt in September 2022 when the U.S. played neutral site friendlies in Germany and Spain. The U.S. recovered and had a solid group stage in Qatar. Pochettino & Co. hope this is similarly not much of an indication of what will come when the tournament starts in a few months.
Pochettino gives blunt assessment of whether USA has any world top 100 players
Mauricio Pochettino had numbers on his mind on Tuesday night. It wasn’t just the two unanswered goals his United States team conceded to Portugal, the nine weeks he has to name his World Cup roster, or the 35 (or 40) players still in with a chance of making the cut at that time.Pochettino also had the figure 100 running through his thoughts, namely the players he considers to be among the best 100 in the world. And, according to him, there aren’t any Americans among them.“We are USA,” Pochettino told reporters at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, after back-to-back losses following Saturday’s 5-2 setback against Belgium. “We are competing against Belgium, Portugal. I think for sure Belgium and Portugal have in the top 100 players, a few or some, players playing in that top 100. I think we don’t have. That is why it’s good to play against these types of teams.”It was a long way from being the most incendiary thing he could have said, but, coming out of the final window before the tournament squad is announced on May 26, it was striking.Soccer is global enough that few countries on the planet can lay claim to having several of the 100 best, or even more than one.It would not be unreasonable, however, to suggest that Christian Pulisic might be disappointed with such a take from his national team coach. Such lists are, by their very nature, subjective and can use widely varying criteria to make a determination. But he has been on lists of that type before.At the end of 2024, for instance, Pulisic was among the final 22 players in the world shortlisted for The Best FIFA men’s midfielder award.And in The Athletic’s “Best 100 Players” who will be at the World Cup, compiled by Nick Miller and Tim Spiers last December, Pulisic was the only American, and came in at No. 39. The rubric used included factors such as current form, historical performance, importance to their nation, transfer value, and rating on the highly-researched FC26 video game.A Proper Top-100 RankingRanking the 100 best players at World Cup 2026Our writers attempt the impossible – ordering the best players who are in with a chance of being at the tournament in North America
Otherwise, Weston McKennie, based on his Juventus form of late, might also consider himself worthy of being in the mix. Given how national team coaches generally take the approach of cheerleading for their best players, Pochettino’s remarks were notable, at the very least, though they should be kept in context.The coach may be right, of course. At various times over the history of the USMNT, it is likely that only a handful of players would ever have been at a lofty enough point at any stage of their career to hold claims on a subjective top 100 spot. As for Pulisic, he made a stirring start to the current Serie A season after missing last summer’s Concacaf Gold Cup but has tailed off of late. He has not scored for AC Milan during this calendar year, and hasn’t scored for the U.S. since 2024.The context of what Pochettino said was important, though. The intent was clearly not to downplay his players’ ability, but to reinforce that the U.S. is not, at this time, at the same level as the leading European powers, either as a collective unit or in terms of individual ability. The point he was making was that for this reason alone, scheduling matches and competing against such opponents is vital to future development and progress. “(It) is massive for us, it is about (learning),” Pochettino added. “We should play more games. Even though this is painful it is the only way to improve, it is the only way to learn, it is the only way to see how the top players and teams compete.” If the top 100 analogy came off as strangely specific, it should be noted that as a group, U.S. Soccer does have a tendency to think in such statistical terms. Last year, the federation hired the Twenty First Group, a sports intelligence consultancy. Among the firm’s research was analysis about how many players rated in the top 1,000 in the world a national team normally needs to reach the quarterfinals of a World Cup, or better.
Why Wrexham against Southampton has the potential to be another Easter classic
Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson is hoping to oversee a fourth successive promotion Harriet Massey/Getty Images
Wrexham versus Notts County was a true game for the ages; so much so that, by the time the music stopped after almost 100 pulsating minutes of Easter Monday football, it felt as if the Welsh club had finally prised open the door marked ‘EFL Return’ after 15 long years in the wilderness of non-League.
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Ben Foster’s 95th minute penalty save to clinch a season-defining 3-2 victory may be the abiding memory of a top-of-the-table clash that lived up to its “biggest non-League game in history” pre-match billing.
But, really, all footballing life was present at The Racecourse Ground that spring day, as two teams who had already breached the 100-point milestone swapped places at the top of the table for the 15th and final time that season.
There was even a touch of Hollywood glamour, of sorts, as Ryan Reynolds declared Foster to be a “double-handsome b*****d” in the dressing room afterwards, just moments after co-owner Rob Mac had kissed the former England goalkeeper full on the lips.
And yet here we are again, looking forward to another holiday fixture in north Wales that has a similar feel to that winner takes all contest against Luke Williams’ Notts County, a team who finished the 2022-23 National League season with 107 points but still had to negotiate the play-offs to clinch promotion due to the relentless form shown by Phil Parkinson’s champions.
Wrexham’s clash with Southampton has been looming large for some time. Shifted back a day due to the south coast club’s involvement in Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-finals, where they shocked Premier League leaders Arsenal with a 2-1 home win, Southampton’s first league visit to The Racecourse since 1959 pits two sides who, for the past seven or so weeks, have been embroiled in their very own game of pass-the-parcel when it comes to sixth place.
Derby County are also in the hunt along with Hull City but, really, Tuesday’s clash has felt for weeks to have the potential of providing the fourth and final play-offs qualifier. A point not lost on Wrexham’s Lewis O’Brien.
Wrexham’s Lewis O’Brien has been acutely aware of Southampton’s revivalJess Hornby/Getty Images
“When you look from the outside,” says the midfielder, “it is one of those games. We’re one point in front of them and they have a game in hand now. Before that, it was goal difference keeping us out of the play-offs.
“From that standpoint, people can big up the game as much as they want. But I don’t think we will be doing that. We stay in our own changing room and keep doing what we’ve been doing.”
Whether a sell-out crowd will be treated to a contest as captivating as that famous Notts County game remains to be seen. But, judging by how Southampton turned a 1-0 deficit against Wrexham on 90 minutes into three points by the time the final whistle blew on the opening day of the campaign, the potential for more thrills and spills seems high.
Southampton’s resurgence — they were fourth bottom on November 1 when Will Still was sacked — means those late, late goals from Ryan Manning and Jack Stephens have taken on even greater significance.
Now, though, a new band of fan favourites have emerged, complete with their own terrace songs, and the supporter-player bond that had been such a feature of the charge through the divisions has been restored.
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“Playing at home is massive,” says O’Brien, one of 13 signings made last summer when joining from Nottingham Forest. “The fans finally feel we belong here, rather than are just here for a little bit.
“At the start of the season, they were a bit iffy as to what was going on. The team took time to gel. Now we have gelled, they believe we do belong here and get right behind us now.”
Southampton manager Tonda Eckert has inspired the club’s revival after a slow start this termLeila Coker/Getty Images
Like Notts County going into that epic 2023 title showdown, Southampton will arrive at the SToK Cae Ras in great form, a 12-game unbeaten league run having yielded 30 points to cement the popularity of Tonda Eckert, Still’s successor as head coach.
Even the disruption of losing top scorer Adam Armstrong to Wolverhampton Wanderers in January — he is still the only player at St Mary’s with a double-figure tally of goals — has been overcome by the 33-year-old German, whose previous experience of English football had come as Gerhard Struber’s assistant at Barnsley.
“It is a massive game for us,” admits Parkinson, whose own side are in great form, too. Their haul of 36 points from 18 games since Christmas is bettered by only Millwall and Norwich City (37 apiece).
“At this stage of the season, though, it’s difficult to say one game is harder than the next because everyone is fighting for something. But, with Southampton’s resurgence, it has a special feel to it and we will be ready for Tuesday night.”
One huge difference between Wrexham’s first promotion under Parkinson in 2023 and today centres on stress levels, with supporters able to enjoy the push for the Premier League in a way that was unthinkable when trying to escape non-League.
Sure, every game matters in the quest to keep those dreams of a fourth consecutive promotion alive. And should Parkinson’s men triumph on Tuesday evening, the celebrations in the stands will be suitably raucous.
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But, unlike that memorable National League run-in when even drawing a game felt like the end of the world, this has been a season to savour for Wrexham supporters.
Wrexham fans have enjoyed a memorable season alreadyHarriet Massey/Getty Images
Already, their team is all but assured of securing the highest league finish in the club’s history, eclipsing the previous best of 15th in the old Second Division set in 1978-79. Then there is the sense that Wrexham’s ultimate destination under Reynolds and Mac will be the Premier League, be that next season or at some stage in the next few years.
That said, one look at the Championship table shows just what is at stake for both teams in this latest Easter six-pointer.
“Pressure is a privilege,” adds Parkinson, a manager with six promotions on his CV. “Absolutely, that’s the case. Football is about making the most of every season. I always feel every season is special and we have an opportunity to finish it well.
“We will do everything we can to do that. When you get into this position, it is important — like we have done in previous years — that we produce good performances. We have got to enjoy it and we will.”
March 31, 2026Esmir Bajraktarevic, who grew up near Milwaukee, Wisc., became a national hero for Bosnia and Herzegovina on Tuesday night, as his winning penalty clinched qualification for this summer’s World Cup and denied four-time champion Italy a spot in the tournament.The 21-year-old former New England Revolution winger converted a brazen no-look penalty past Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to complete a shootout triumph in Zenica, after scores were locked at 1-1 following extra-time.
Bajraktarevic’s strike broke the Italian hearts and prolonged the country’s World Cup drought – Italy has not qualified for the event since 2014. After beating Donnarumma, he ripped off his shirt and raised it proudly as he celebrated with a rabid home crowd at the Stadion Bilino Polje. It has been quite the journey for the American-born playmaker, who is now at PSV Eindhoven in the Dutch Eredivisie.Bajraktarevic, who hails from Appleton, Wisc., was a U.S. youth international and invited to a senior camp in January of 2024, where he made his senior debut against Slovenia under former USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter. That summer, however, he decided to represent Bosnia and Herzegovina. As a dual national with what appears to be a high ceiling, Bajraktarevic’s decision made headlines in the U.S. But for the player, it was simply what felt right.
“The decision for me was very easy,” Bajraktarevic told The Blazing Musket in October of 2024. “It was something I knew I wanted to do since I was little. It was just a process that took a while. I’m very happy I made it. There’s no feeling like representing your country.”As Bosnia and Herzegovina prepared for the final stretch of European World Cup qualifying, Bajraktarevic reiterated where his heart has always been.“I’m very proud every time I play for Bosnia,” he said in February. “It’s a different feeling. It’s where my parents come from and it’s what I’ve always thought of myself as, as a Bosnian.”The questions will now be raised within the U.S. soccer community about whether Bajraktarevic would make Mauricio Pochettino’s current squad. That will certainly be debated, but what is evident is Bajraktarevic’s youthful flair and swagger on the ball. Against Italy, and deep into extra time, the left-footed Bajraktarevic attempted a rabona near Donnarumma’s penalty area. It flew out of bounds but that didn’t deter him from taking it even further moments later.He stepped up confidently to take one of the most significant kicks in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s soccer history, after the Italians had squandered two opportunities from the spot. As Bajraktarevic looked down and cleverly placed the ball to Donnarumma’s left, pandemonium ensued.
Ok I am going to be honest I did not see this coming. Yes I predicted a loss — 2-1 but 5-1. I can’t remember the last time the US conceded 5 goals in a game. Five goals? For those questioning my questioning of this defense – there it is. Lets start with the back 4 – not a bad idea to start with line-up against a superior team like Belgium – but Timmy Weah was way out of his league vs Doku – one of the best wingers in the world. I also thought Mark Mckensie was turned a # of times and did not have the best game as 3 of the goal attacks came down the left hand side. Tim Ream continued to show he is TOO OLD to play in the middle against Top 10 competition. Listen I love Tim Ream – have his Fulham jersey in my closet – but at 40 his foot speed is simply too far behind to play good teams. I would say he was involved on 3 of the goals – places where a good centerback makes the play. The lone bright spot was Jedi Robinson in an attacking role though his D could have been better. I know Chris Richards and Tim Robinson were hurt – but this might have showed we are a 3-5-2 team now. We needed 5 on defense vs Belgium and whatever that was needs to end.
Turning to Goalkeeper – unlike most – I was actually ok with the change – I thought Matt Turner might still sneak into the starting slot for the World Cup – ah that’s over now. Sad part is he made some fantastic saves on the day – hell it could have /should have been 8-1 if Turner doesn’t make some saves – but to give up 5 to anyone much less Belgium without Lukaku is a sign you are not the guy. Lets see if Matt Freese can handle the pressure that Portugal is sure to bring tonight.
Offensively we had our moments – Pulisic was still clearly not quite on – his 2 goal chances- blown completely. Balogun had little service but I don’t think I heard his name called once. Pepi and Agyemang coming on late and stealing one goal was impressive and might get Pepi an earlier call to come in during the World Cup. I am still not sure how Poch is going to get his 3 or 4 best mids on the field. I did not work to have Tillman behind the front 2 of Bola & Pulisic – unfortunately – I would like to see Reyna get a start vs Portugal in that spot to see if works. Also what to do with McKennie – he has to be on the field – he scored our goal on the Cornerkick, he probably was the best field player besides Antonee Robinson. The dmid line-up of Cardoso & Tessman actually held their own in the first half of a 1-1 game. Cardoso showed he deserves a spot on the bus for the WC. I thought Tessman had some moments – especially in the 1st half – but when Cristian Roldan came on in the 2nd for Cardoso – the duo was exposed during the 4 goal blasting. Late subs by Berhalter merely showed his MLS self is not ready for this level of play.
So now what? We HAVE to have a good showing vs Portugal, who is without Ronaldo but still tied Mexico 0-0 on Saturday. The Great New is it appears our best Centerback – the only one starting in the EPL Chris Richards is back in the mix for tonight, I would guess he will start with Trusty who is a left sided Centerback for Celtic. Will be interesting to see if he puts Trusty in the middle and Ream on the left (I hope not) or does he go Joe Scally on the right with Richards in the middle. (my preference). I would also love to see Alex Freeman get a run at right outside back. Of course Freese is back in goal. In the middle trying to replace Adams (who we desperately miss) and the injured Cardoso – I would go with Aidan Morris. The biggest thing is the US Team must show some grit some passion – we just got blasted 5-1 at home with 65K Atlanta – a place we might play in the World Cup – we must show better vs Portugal. With Richards back IF he doesn’t play Tim Ream I think we tie this game 1-1. If he starts Ream – its 3-1 Portugal.
WORLD CUP QUALIFYING the Last 6 Teams Will Be Decided Tuesday
So its put up or shut up time for 6 teams to make the World Cup – my Italy again has their backs to the Wall and must win in a hostile stadium vs an old Bosnia team at 2:45 pm on FS1. Of most interest for the US is Kosovo basically hosting Turkey with the winner advancing to the US group as the 3rd game vs the US. Turkey looked good – and 86th ranked Kosovo needed penalties to advance but look out on this one. The US REALLY NEEDS KOSOVO to Win. Live on FS2
Indy 11 Plays Tonite 7 pm and Sat 7 pm vs Pittsburgh
Indy Eleven came back from a halftime deficit with two second-half goals to earn a 2-2 draw at USL Championship Eastern Conference opponent Hartford Athletic. Indy Eleven has two home games at Carroll Stadium this week–Tue. Mar. 31 for a Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Second Round match vs. Union Omaha at 7 p.m., and Sat. Apr. 4 against the defending USL champion Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. Ticket options available include Family Four-Packs, pro-rated Season Tickets, and Flex Mini-Plans. The Family Four-Pack is available for all 2026 home games and it can be purchased online only. Priced at just $49, the Family Four-Pack includes four tickets, FREE parking, $20 in Concession Vouchers, and a 20% Merchandise Discount, along with access to the Fun Zone/Kids Activation Area.
Congrats to the 2010 Carmel FC Boys for winning the River City Classic in Cincy for a 2nd time in 3 years
Huge congrats to Coach Mark Stumpf (right) battling thru the pain this weekend. The boys were great! Yes that’s me the ole ballcoach on the left.
TV Schedule – Games on TV
Tues, Mar 31 2:30 pm FS1 Italy vs Bosnia WC Qualifier 2:30 pm FS2 Kosovo vs Turkiye WC Qualifier 2:45 pm Fubu Sweden vs Poland WC Qualifier 2:45 pm Fubu Czechia vs Denmark WC Qualifier 7 pm TNT, HBO, Peacock USA Men vs Portugal 7 pm Para+ Indy 11 vs Union Omaha US Open Cup 9 pm FS1. Peacock Congo DR vs Jamaica WCQ 1 11 pm FS1, Peacock Iraq vs Bolivia WCQ2 Weds, Apr 1 7:30 pm CBS Galazo Michigan Bucks vs Detroit City US open Cup 8 pm CBS Sports Net Colorado Springs vs Spokane Wash US Open Cup Thur, Apr 2 12:45 pm CBSSN Barcelona vs Real Madrid – Women’s UCL 3 pm CBSSN OL Lyon vs Wolfsburg – Women’s UCL Fri, Apr 2 10 am Para+ West Brom vs Wrexham 3 pm PAra+ Coventry City vs Derby County (Agyemang) 8 pm Amazon Prime Orlando Pride vs Angel City NWSL Sat, Apr 4 7:30 am ESPN Man City vs Liverpool FA Cup 9:30 am ESPN+ Freiburg vs Bayern Munich 9:30 am ESPN+ Wolfsburg vs Bayern Leverkusen (Tilman) 12:!5 pm ESPN+ Chelsea vs Port Vale FA Cup 3 pm ESPN+ Southampton vs Arsenal FA Cup 3 pm ESPN+, ESPND Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona 4 pm CBS KC Current vs NY/NJ Gotham NWSL 6:30 pm Tubi TV NC Courage vs Portland Thorns NWSL 7 pm TV 8? Indy 11 vs 7 pm Uni Monterrey vs Athletico Liga MX 7:30 pm Apple Free Atlanta United vs Columbus Crew 7:30 pm Apple free Miami vs Austin 7:30 pm Apple Free NY Red Bulls vs Cincy 8:30 pm Apple free Houston vs Seattle Sounders 8:30 pm Apple free Chicago Fire vs Nashville 8:45 pm Tubi TV Seattle Reign vs Denver Summit NWSL 9:30 pm Apple Free LAFC vs Orlando 10:30 pm Apple Free LA Galaxy vs Minn Sun Apr 5 9:30 am ESPN+ Union Berlin vs St Pauli 10:30 am ESPN+ Valencia vs Celta Vigo 11:30 am ESPN 2 West Ham vs Leeds United (Aaronson) FA CUP 2:45 pm Para+ Inter Milan vs Roma Italy 2:45 pm beIN Sport Monaco (Balogun) vs Marseille (Weah) 5 pm ESPN2 Bay FC vs Washington Spirit (Rodman) NWSL
Sat, Apr 11 7 pm TNT, HBO US Women vs Japan Tues, Apr 12 7 pm TNT, HBO US Women vs Japan 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 Complete 2026 World Cup schedule featuring match dates and start times NWSL Schedule
US Players on Duty — Friday
PSG vs Toulouse, 2:45p on beIN Sports, Fubo (free trial): Mark McKenzie and Toulouse have a big task on their hands defending PSG in this Ligue 1 match.
Coventry vs Derby, 3p on Paramount+: Haji Wright and Coventry City host Patrick Agyemang and Derby County in the EFL Championship.
Also in action:
Middlesbrough vs Millwall, 7:30a on Paramount+: Aidan Morris and Boro host Millwall in the EFL Championship.
Charlton vs Bristol City, 10a: Charlie Kelman and Charlton Athletic host Bristol City in the EFL Championship.
West Brom vs Wrexham, 10a on Paramount+: George Campbell, Daryl Dike, and West Brom host Wrexham in the EFL Championship.
Vitória Guimarães vs Tondela, 1p: Jordan Pefok and Tondela visit Vitória de Guimarães in Liga Portugal.
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Huge congrats to my Ref Buddy (L doing his first D1 – College Game last Week !!
2026 World Cup playoffs: Who will claim the final six spots?
Mark OgdenMar 31, 2026, 03:21 AM ET
The 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup kicks off on June 11 when co-hosts Mexico play South Africa in Mexico City, but six qualification places are still up for grabs in the European and intercontinental playoffs.
The final qualified teams will be confirmed Tuesday with four European nations and the winners of the two intercontinental playoff finals sealing their spot in the Canada, Mexico and the United America this summer.
Kosovo will host Türkiye attempting to reach their first World Cup, and four-time world champions Italy must win at Bosnia and Herzegovina to avoid missing out on the finals for the third successive tournament.
Iraq (1986), Congo DR (as Zaire in 1974), Bolivia (1994) and Türkiye (2002) are all looking to end lengthy absences from the World Cup, but who will be victorious in the six qualification finals?
Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Italy (Zenica, Bosnia):Edin Dzeko‘s 86th-minute goal against Wales in Cardiff was the lifeline Bosnia needed to stay in the semifinal and take the game to penalties, which ended with a 4-2 shootout win for Sergej Barbarez’s team. At 40 years old, former Manchester City, AS Roma and Inter Milan striker Dzeko will become one of the oldest outfield players to appear at a World Cup if he can inspire Bosnia again in the final, but Italy will go into the game as strong favorites.
Gennaro Gattuso’s team overcame a nervous start to beat Northern Ireland2-0 on Bergamo in Thursday’s semifinal and that victory has boosted morale in Italy following playoff heartbreak in 2018 and 2022. Bosnia have home advantage in Zenica at the hostile Stadium Bilino Polje, but Italy have the pedigree of Gianluigi Donnarumma, Sandro Tonali and Manuel Locatelli, so they will have no excuses for another playoff failure.
Winners: Italy
Laurens: Italy face tougher test against Bosnia and Herzegovina
Julien Laurens breaks down Bosnia and Herzegovina’s dramatic penalty win over Wales ahead of their World Cup showdown with Italy.
Sweden vs. Poland (Stockholm, Sweden): Viktor Gyökeres almost single-handedly sealed Sweden’s place in the final with a hat trick in Thursday’s 3-1 semifinal win against Ukraine in Valencia. Sweden, now coached by former Chelsea and West Ham United boss Graham Potter, seriously underperformed during the qualifiers witha winless group campaign, but they now have a home game against Poland to book a place at the World Cup.
The Poles had to fight back from going a goal down against Albania in Warsaw before winning 2-1 with goals from Robert Lewandowski and Piotr Zielinski and they go into the Sweden game having run Netherlands close in their qualifying group. Recent form suggests that Poland will be favorites, but Sweden are at home and the confidence of a big win against Ukraine. It will be close, but Sweden will shade it — maybe even on penalties.
Kosovo vs. Türkiye (Pristina, Kosovo): Though Türkiye’s semifinal against Romania went as expected with Vincenzo Montella’s team winning 1-0 through Ferdi Kadioglu‘s goal, Kosovo upset the odds with a 4-3 win away to Slovakia. Kosovo went into the playoffs as the lowest-ranked European nation still alive in the competition, sitting in 78th position between Israel and Oman in the FIFA World Ranking, but they dominated in Bratislava to seal a deserved victory.
Franco Foda’s team is young, bold and full of pace and energy, and they have the ability to shock a Türkiye team stacked with top talent including Arda Güler, Hakan Çalhanoglu and Kenan Yildiz. Türkiye have won the two previous meetings between the teams and will be favorites, but Stadiumi Fadil Vokrri will be rocking in Pristina on Tuesday, and a passionate atmosphere could tip the balance in Kosovo’s favor.
Czechia vs. Denmark (Prague, Czechia): Czechia looked dead and buried against the Republic of Ireland after finding themselves 2-0 down in Prague after 23 minutes, but Miroslav Koubek’s team fought back to take the game to penalties before winning 4-3 from the spot kicks.
But the Czechs will face a Denmark side that showed its quality with a 4-0 win against North Macedonia in Copenhagen, so the Danes will be strong favorites heading into the final. The questions about Denmark have nothing to do with their quality — coach Brian Riemer has Christian Eriksen, Rasmus Højlund and Christian Norgaard on his roster — but whether they can handle the pressure of being favorites. A draw against Belarus and defeat against Scotland saw them blow their hopes of automatic qualification, so will they feel the heat against the Czechs? That’s the danger for Denmark, but perhaps beating North Macedonia has proved their mettle.
Congo DR vs. Jamaica (Zapopan, Mexico): Jamaica toiled to a 1-0 win against rank outsiders New Caledonia in the semifinal, so they will have to step up several levels to have any hope of beating Congo DR.
Congo, nicknamed the “Warriors of the Equator,” have top-level European experience in their squad with Aaron Wan-Bissaka (West Ham United), Arthur Masuaku (Lens), Yoane Wissa (Newcastle United) and captain Chancel Mbemba (Lille), so they should be too strong for a Jamaica side led by interim coach Rudolph Speid. Wrexham’s Bailey Cadamarteri scored the match winner for Jamaica against New Caledonia, but repeating that effort will be tough against one of the strongest African teams.
Iraq vs. Bolivia (Guadalupe, Mexico): Iraq’s preparations for their playoff have been thrown into disarray by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, forcing coach Graham Arnold to ask FIFA for the game to postponed due to the difficulties of his squad being about to travel from the region. But Tuesday’s match will go ahead and the Lions of Mesopotamia will have a full squad due to call on after being given the use of a private jet to travel to Mexico. Whether the disruption to their plans will affect Iraq’s chances remains to be seen, but Bolivia’s 2-1 semifinal win over Suriname, when they overturned a 1-0 deficit to claim victory, showed that the South American nation is match ready — the same cannot be said for Iraq. Having had no competitive games since December, Iraq might struggle to win this game and end a 40-year wait for a World Cup appearance.
Winners: Bolivia
USA vs. Portugal, 2026 USMNT friendly: preview – the devil is in the big picture
More questions ahead of the last friendly before the World Cup breakby Parker Cleveland Mar 30, 2026, 11:44 AM EDT Stars & Stripes
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – MARCH 28: Weston McKennie #8 of the United States celebrates scoring during the first half against Belgium during an international friendly at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Omar Vega/USSF/Getty Images)Getty Images
The USMNT will close out its March friendly window looking to bounce back after falling apart in the second half to Belgium on Saturday. In that match, Mauricio Pochettino put forward an attack minded lineup with four out and out attackers plus Tim Weah at right back. It seemed to pay off at first with the USA jumping out to an early lead thanks to a goal from Wes McKennie, that would be the high point for the USA as Belgium scored four goals in 23 minutes scoring the first right before the half and another in 82nd with the Americans pulling one back three minutes before the death.
The match itself was underscored by questions in defense and goalkeeper – mainly, what happens when the team doesn’t have Chris Richards and who should start between the sticks? The answer to the Richards dilemma is clearly, we don’t know while the keeper solution is probably anyone except for Matt Turner. The match also showed that Tim Ream is not at the level needed to take on a top 10 team in the world, the same for that matter can be said of Mark McKenzie. Aside from Ream’s handball, Belgium had no issue controlling the ball around the box and playing around the central defenders.
As far as taking on Portugal, Poch will need to come up with more effective defensive tactics with the European Nations League champs licking their chops at the prospect of taking on a team that struggled the way the USA did defensively. Adding to this issue is that Johnny Cardoso was OK at defensive midfield. That might have been acceptable if the game wasn’t asking him to do more to cover for the center backs but either he needs to step up or step aside for the team to find an effective replacement for Tyler Adams.
Portugal comes into the game having drawn 0-0 to Mexico at El Azteca over the weekend. The Iberians were the more attack minded of the teams but failed to find a goal despite dominating possession with 66% of the passing and an xG of 1.39. El Tri played in a 4-1-4-1 formation and held strong defensively with Portugal getting the better of the chances. For their part, Portugal played in their 4-2-3-1 and was attack minded as advertised.
For this match, the task for the Americans is pretty straight forward: find a defensive posture that works, keep Bruno Fernandes from dictating the tempo, stop Joao Felix or Pedro Neto from finding space to score or create for his teammates, and in attack keep the ball in the face of their opponent’s press.
It will be interesting to see how Poch addresses the situation in defense. The USA did very well with a three center back set up at the end of last year. Alex Freeman and Joe Scally are both capable of playing in that system but the team needs a central defender to fill the void left by Richards in anchoring the backline. If the team steps up and plays solid defense, gets a good match out of whoever starts at keeper, and finds a way to get through the Portugal backline, the Americans might be able to go into the World Cup with a promising performance against one of the best teams in the world. If not, it could be a long night and a longer few months with more questions following the team into the start of the tournament.
USMNT exposed with tactical approach to Belgium, makes for a World Cup warning
Mauricio Pochettino of the United States speaks with the team during the first half of Saturday’s friendly against Belgium. Andrew J. Clark / ISI Photos / USS
ATLANTA — “Football,” Mauricio Pochettino said, “is in the details.” And it was in the details Saturday that the U.S. men’s national team faltered against Belgium.There was no one reason for the USMNT’s unraveling in a 5-2 loss. There was, instead, a succession of minor individual shortcomings that magnified one broader flaw in Pochettino’s tactical setup.“Pochettino should’ve never changed back to a back four,” says Charlie Davies, a former USMNT forward and columnist for The Athletic, “when he made so much progress with the back three this past fall.”Lineups with three center backs helped revive the USMNT last September. Players and Pochettino himself said the new formation helped “simplify things.” In October and November, they alternated between hybrid systems, but never returned to a back four with two fullbacks bombing up and down both wings.On Saturday, they did that — and they got burned.Belgium’s first three goals, plus a fourth that was disallowed for a handball, all originated on the left wing, with the ball at the feet of the game’s most dangerous player, Jérémy Doku. And three of the four happened after Tim Weah, the U.S. right back tasked with defending Doku, was caught higher up the field.He was higher up the field by design. In this more complicated 4-2-3-1 formation, when in possession, a central midfielder would drop between the center backs or to the left of them; an attacking midfielder would come deep; both fullbacks would advance.It was the opposite of the 3-4-3’s simplicity. And it came with tradeoffs.“There were a number of moments where the movement from Johnny Cardoso and Tanner Tessmann would ultimately help them in the buildup,” Davies says. “They found Weston McKennie in the pocket. He’d play it to Christian Pulisic, and then they’d get out. They would find ways to break down Belgium’s mid-block.” They would get Weah and Antonee Robinson, the fullbacks, on the ball in dangerous positions.“But in doing that,” Davies says, “multiple times, they also got exposed.”
Dealing with Doku
Pochettino, at his post-match news conference, brushed aside discussion of the formation switch. He also said that Weah, a converted winger, “defended really, really well.” The “problem,” Pochettino argued, “was that no one helped (Weah) in the last third, in the areas that are really important to help.”“The plan,” Weah confirmed, “was to double team” Doku. A midfielder would slide over to help. And for most of 45 minutes, Cardoso, Tessmann and McKennie did this reasonably well. They’d be responsible if Doku cut inside.If, on the other hand, Doku went toward the end line, Weah would be prepared to keep up and block the cross. When settled and with inside help, Weah did this reasonably well on all but one occasion.
In the 45th minute, though, the “help” was too passive. McKennie and Tessmann both retreated into the box… but never stepped up to confront Doku when the Belgian winger came inside.
Doku’s shot was palmed away by Turner, but in part because he’d drawn so much attention, the rebound found Zeno Debast in loads of space outside the box. Debast had time to line up a fizzing 25-yard drive. Multiple U.S. players were slow to close him down. Matt Turner was slow across his goal. And just like that, it was 1-1.That Belgian goal, however, was the outlier.
USMNT gets caught in transition
On the second Belgium goal and the sequence that led to the third, the root cause didn’t seem to be a lack of help; it was a lack of structure.Even in the first half, there were warning signs. In the 37th minute, the U.S. had taken up its in-possession shape, with Weah on the right wing. Turner mis-hit a pass, possession turned over, and suddenly, Doku was running at Cardoso one-v-one — with Weah trailing the play.
Then, in the 52nd minute, Weah was attacking deep in the final third. He helped set up a Pulisic chance. Moments later, he was racing back toward the defensive third, chasing Kevin De Bruyne. De Bruyne fed Doku, who ran at U.S. center back Mark McKenzie — with Weah once again trailing.
Seven U.S. players in total scrambled back into the penalty box to help. But that left Andre Onana free at the top of the box to put Belgium ahead — and remind U.S. fans of nightmares past.“What pisses me off is that the same weaknesses of younger U.S. squads still seem to be there,” Davies says. “They collapse into their own 18-yard box and defend. And it’s almost like a psychological thing: if you have numbers in the box, back, you feel like you’re defending, and you’ve got the numerical advantage in front of your goal. But ultimately, they leave the top of the box always open for late runs, for people who are just lurking at the top.”Three minutes later, the structural flaws emerged again.In the 55th minute, on one end, Weah advanced all the way into Belgium’s penalty box and sliced a volley off target.“He was almost like a right wingback on that play,” Davies says. The problem, of course, is that he’d been tasked with defending like a true fullback, with only two central defenders to cover for him.Weah lingered high up the field after that chance as the U.S. pressed Belgium.
When Belgium cycled the ball to the opposite side, easily evading the USMNT’s first line of confrontation, Weah began to retreat — but not quickly enough. His positioning allowed a Belgian defender to ping a 70-yard diagonal to Doku — a pass that should never be completeable.
Weah was suddenly scrambling and isolated. Tessmann hurried back to help but didn’t arrive in time. Doku beat Weah with a give-and-go. His shot was saved by Turner, but the follow-up earned Belgium a penalty. And the game, for all intents and purposes, was gone.
‘That’s what I don’t like about this fluid 4-2-3-1’
This is the peril of playing a shape-shifting 4-2-3-1 rather than a relatively simple 3-4-3.With the ball, the USMNT builds in a 3-2-5 shape. When set up in a 3-4-3, two of the “4” — the wingbacks — simply have to join the front three.To get to it from a 4-2-3-1 base, on the other hand, two of the back “4” — the fullbacks — were joining the front line on Saturday; one of the “2” holding midfielders had to fill for them; and one of the “3” had to fill for him.Back in September, when the U.S. switched to the 3-4-3, “we didn’t have guys moving from one position to another,” captain Tim Ream said. There were no convoluted rotations from defense to attack or vice versa. “We were already set in that structure.”In the 4-2-3-1, the movements provide attacking benefits, which is seemingly why Pochettino likes it.“This is his formation, this is where he feels most comfortable,” Davies says.“But in defensive transition — that’s what I don’t like about this fluid 4-2-3-1, with a center mid dropping deep,” Davies continues. “At least when you’re not typically a team that’s keeping possession. If you’re a team like Spain, go ahead. When you don’t do that consistently, and you have this type of formation, that’s when things get tough in transition.”
The ‘intensity’ dip
Pochettino’s main explanation for the collapse was a drop in “intensity.” On Belgium’s first goal, and again on the second, “we were not aggressive enough,” Pochettino said.Davies saw this too, especially after the second goal went in. “You could see heads drop,” Davies says. “And they’re like, ‘Oh s***, here we go again.’”That was perhaps most evident on Belgium’s fourth goal. When the ball switched from left to right, Pulisic simply let Belgian right back Thomas Meunier carry it from his defensive half into the final third. Cristian Roldan, therefore, was forced to step in, halt Meunier’s progress and track his run, leaving substitute fullback Max Arfsten one-v-one with Dodi Lukebakio. Arfsten got crossed, Lukebakio dipped inside, and multiple U.S. players just watched Lukebakio pick out the top corner.
Lukebakio dueling Arfsten also represented the gap in quality between the two squads. Belgium called upon substitutes from Benfica and Juventus. The U.S. brought in players from MLS. After those substitutions, the U.S. struggled to connect many progressive passes. Sebastian Berhalter, for example, looked out of his depth.The gap between the starting 11s was slimmer. And intensity can close some quality gaps.
“I feel pretty damn good about that first half,” Davies says. “It’s kind of what you would hope for when you’re talking about a competitive match against Belgium.”
But when focus and energy slipped, quality rose to the surface — just like it did when the U.S. lost to Germany in 2023 and the Netherlands in 2022.
All eyes will be on Tuesday’s response vs. Portugal.
Pochettino’s World Cup mandate for USMNT is clear: Intensity is not optional
Andrew J. Clark / ISI Photos / USSF / Getty Images)
MARIETTA, Ga. — On Sunday afternoon, a day after his team took a 5-2 loss to Belgium, U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino watched Colombia and France battle it out in an exhibition in Landover, Md.The ferocity and pace of France’s 3-1 win made an impression on him. There was nothing in the game that made it feel like it was a no-stakes “friendly.”
“Do you think that the coach of Colombia, losing the game, is going to complain about some players?” Pochettino asked. “They played like this was the final of the World Cup. And France, when they saw the intensity and the aggression of Colombia said: ‘If we don’t play as intense, they will kill us.’ That is intensity.”
After Colombia-France, Pochettino caught highlights of Argentine club Racing’s Copa Argentina clash with third-division side San Martín de Formoso, which featured several hard tackles, a few scraps and a red card. Finally, he caught his former club Newell’s Old Boys’ 2-0 loss to Acassuso in the same tournament.
“In these games, if you don’t have aggression and intensity and everything, you can’t play there,” Pochettino said.
That it was the intensity level that stood out across Pochettino’s soccer viewing was the problem.
An equivalent vigor was lacking from the U.S. against Belgium. It felt inexcusable with the World Cup just two months away. And that wasn’t just perception. U.S. Soccer’s data showed that the Americans were not as aggressive defensively almost across the board compared to previous camps, Pochettino noted.
“One of the things that worried us most when we compared the last two matches — Uruguay and Paraguay — with Belgium (it) was what I mentioned before: the lack of intensity,” he said. “Where? In both boxes, box to box. The numbers — how much we dropped in our ability to be aggressive, in that intensity when recovering the ball, in not allowing the opponent to transition — if you compare it to Paraguay or Uruguay, we’re at about half. We’ve given the opponent far too much space.”
Pochettino praised his team’s ability to be dangerous in the attack. “We have good players,” he said. But it’s the defensive aggression that gives the team the balance and “solidity” it needs to compete, he added.
Asked what might have been lacking against Belgium, U.S. captain Tim Ream said that, “in some moments, it’s a decision.”
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“It’s just an overall effort,” he said. “It’s not that guys don’t want to do it; it’s sometimes, ‘Oh, we’ve just made an effort.’ And now it’s about making another one. It’s about making not just the first, (but) the second, the third, the fourth. And sometimes that doesn’t happen. And that’s just something that is a non-negotiable, really. And it’s something that we were doing really well in the fall, last year. And it’s something we have to get back to.”
I had a similar viewing experience to Pochettino on Sunday, only rather than the games the U.S. coach took in, I caught a preview of CBS’s new documentary series on former U.S. forward Clint Dempsey, You Don’t Know Where I’m From, Dawg.
The five-part series chronicles Dempsey’s rise out of Nacogdoches, Texas, to become a U.S. Soccer Hall of Famer who would score goals at three World Cups, tie for the USMNT’s all-time lead in goals and become Fulham’s all-time leading Premier League goalscorer. It honed in, unsurprisingly, on Dempsey’s famous drive and his constant need to prove himself.
“Make them f***king play you,” Dempsey said on Sunday night, summing up the mentality that drove him to the top.
Clint Dempsey scored against the USA’s next opponent, Portugal, back at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.Elsa / Getty Images
Dempsey invented slights and enemies to push himself to the next level. He took every snub and used it as motivation. It’s what made him one of the greatest players in U.S. history. Coming out of the documentary, it felt like it should be required viewing for this U.S. team. Not just because of how much Dempsey’s story and path to success might remind them of the drive needed to achieve greatness, but because the clips of the U.S. team’s successes at previous World Cups were rooted in the very same qualities as Dempsey’s own story.The U.S. has always been a team that has to prove itself. This team too often feels like it lacks that mentality.As another U.S. great, Landon Donovan, told The Athletic on Monday: “It’s not that they don’t care, but maybe they don’t have enough pride,” he said. “Maybe that’s the way I need to say it. … I would have been mortified to be losing in a home game three months before the World Cup with 70,000 people there. I would have been unbelievably embarrassed losing 4-1 and 5-1, forget it. I probably would have got sent off.“I’m just trying to figure out why is nobody yelling at each other? Why is nobody getting a yellow card? Why is nobody stopping (Jérémy) Doku after he’s terrorized us for 70 minutes? Why is this not happening? I can’t figure it out. I don’t know if it’s generational or if it’s this team in particular, but that just doesn’t happen. And it blows my mind.”It’s why Pochettino said he wants his players to watch the types of games he took in on Sunday. To see the level of aggression, desire and drive that is necessary for teams to reach their best levels. Not for nine out of 10 recovery runs, or for 60 minutes out of 90, but for every single run and every single minute.
It was a long day in goal for Matt Turner, who conceded five against Belgium in Saturday’s friendly.David J. Griffin / Icon Sportswire / Getty Images
The Argentine coach knocked on the table in front of him at Monday’s press conference as he thought about how to describe why it’s such an important part of any team’s identity — and especially so for this team.
It’s clear that the U.S. still hasn’t developed the necessary habits, the ability to push constantly, that will be needed to beat the best teams in the world. And if the U.S. players don’t do it against Belgium and Portugal in this window, what makes them think it’ll come naturally once the World Cup kicks off?
“There’s still time to realize that we need to compete like the (Colombia) game against France,” Pochettino said.
Tuesday against Portugal will show whether they’ve taken on that lesson. Because as special as these players might – and still can – be, the key to success might be to show just how much they’re the same as the U.S. teams that came before them. To prove that while they might be able to play their way into bigger conversations, they can also fight their way to results.
Landon Donovan questions USMNT pride, says Belgium loss could do ‘psychological damage’
ATLANTA — U.S. men’s national team great Landon Donovan has warned that Saturday’s 5-2 defeat to Belgium has the potential to do “psychological damage” to Mauricio Pochettino’s team ahead of the World Cup, and he also questioned whether the current squad is showing enough “pride” in its performances.Donovan, who represented the U.S. at three World Cups and is tied with Clint Dempsey as the team’s all-time leading scorer, spoke to The Athletic on Monday, less than 48 hours after the team began the March international window with the heavy loss at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The U.S. will play Portugal at the same venue on Tuesday night. The Athletic asked Donovan whether pre-tournament warm-up games could have a serious impact on a team’s momentum and confidence ahead of a World Cup. Donovan, reflecting on his own period as a player, said: “No — but I’ll tell you why. We were very clear in our identity. We were never worried about conceding five goals – that would never, ever have happened. We might have lost games and we did. But that was never in the conversation — ever. For this team, I am concerned. There’s no question that conceding five goals at home three months before the World Cup is going to do psychological damage to the team and the players. “The good news is they have another chance to get rid of that result quickly. The bad news is they’re playing Portugal and so we’re going to learn a lot about this team. ” The U.S. actually took the lead against Belgium in the first half through Weston McKennie but was pegged back before the interval. Then, between the 53rd and 68th minutes, the U.S. performance deteriorated and the team went 4-1 down. What does it feel like for a player when a game spirals out of a team’s grasp?
“I will never forget we played an MLS game with the (LA) Galaxy away in Houston. It was one of those August days, 97 degrees, and after 23 minutes, they were up three goals. I pulled everybody into the field and nobody wanted to hear it.
“They’re all looking away and I said, ‘Look at me, if we lose today, we lose, but we’re not getting embarrassed, have some personal pride, care about what you do.’ We ended up losing 3-0. Tim Howard and I did our podcast (Unfiltered Soccer) this morning and the part we cannot figure out is why it seems like nobody cared. They’re running around and they’re trying. But there were no yellow cards. Nobody got kicked.”
Does he really believe the USMNT players do not care?
“Care’s not the right word,” he clarifies. “It’s not that they don’t care, but maybe they don’t have enough pride. Maybe that’s the way I need to say it. Fair point. But I would have been mortified to be losing a home game three months before the World Cup with 70,000 people there. I would have been unbelievably embarrassed losing 4-1 and 5-1, forget it. I probably would have got sent off. I’m just trying to figure out why is nobody yelling at each other? Why is nobody getting a yellow card? Why is nobody stopping (Jérémy) Doku after he’s terrorized us for 70 minutes? Why is this not happening? I can’t figure it out. I don’t know if it’s generational or if it’s this team in particular, but that just doesn’t happen. And it blows my mind.”
One of the more unexpected and bizarre storylines on Saturday emerged due to a uniform clash between the USMNT home kit and the new Belgian away kit, and neither side had a spare stock of their alternative kit at the venue. The jerseys were approved in advance by the match commissioner and the referee also did not appear to take umbrage. Afterwards, players including USMNT forward Christian Pulisic and Belgian pair Senne Lammens and Amadou Onana complained about the challenge it presented to those on the field. Has Donovan ever experienced such a clash? “No,” he says, laughing. “In fact, one of the first things you’re taught when you’re a pro, and it only happened to me once, I didn’t have my studded cleats and it started to rain. The coach said if you ever show up without both pairs of cleats, then I would not play ever again. ‘I was like, OK!’“It is beyond my imagination how that is allowed to happen, the amount of people that had to get through and the amount of processes that had to happen. It just blows my mind. But in the end, the referee makes the final decision on all these things. At some point the referee had to say, or maybe they didn’t, that this is not OK. It was bizarre and probably fitting for the night.”
The U.S. was missing key players in central defense, with Crystal Palace’s Chris Richards a particular blow – though he said Monday he “is available” to face Portugal. Saturday’s goalkeeper, Matt Turner, is not expected to be the starter at the World Cup, where Matt Freese is thought to be in pole position. Yet it is clear that the U.S. has a weakness at the heart of the back line, and Donovan says it is only through making the team collectively harder to beat that this can be managed.
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“I’ve said all along that when we play real teams, this is an issue,” Donovan says. “It just is what it is.”
“We still don’t have a lot of answers on the back line. All of that can be solved with a spirit and a fight that helps you compete, making the sum of the parts way better than the individual. If you’re playing a team like Belgium, with real world class players on the field, you can get embarrassed. So at a minimum, forget about the formation or tactics or who is playing, if you can’t compete man to man against somebody, you have no chance. They’re just better players. So we have to get that part right first.”
Player ratings: Weah poor as USMNT suffers heavy Belgium defeat
Amid a competitive first half, the U.S. took the lead in the 39th minute thanks to Weston McKennie tapping in the ball from short range after a corner from Antonee Robinson. Belgium equalized with Zeno Debast‘s powerful shot from distance in the 45th minute that sneaked past American goalkeeper Matt Turner.
After the break, the visitors took full and dominant control. Rapid-fire goals from Amadou Onana (53rd minute), Charles De Ketelaere (penalty in 59th minute) and Dodi Lukebakio (goals in 68th minute, 82nd minutes) silenced the crowd as Belgium flexed their muscle against a lackluster U.S. side. After a total of eight substitutions, a consolation goal was then earned by the Americans after Ricardo Pepi halted a pass that led to a shot that found the back of the net from Patrick Agyemang in the 87th minute.
From here, U.S coach Mauricio Pochettino and his roster will now prepare for their second and final friendly of the March window against Portugal next Tuesday.
Mauricio Pochettino, 3: To be fair to Pochettino, it’s difficult to put all the blame on the coach whose only real experiment was placing Turner in net. The U.S. were able to go toe-to-toe with Belgium in the first half, but also became outmatched in one-on-one situations that gradually worked in the favor of the visitors. All that said, the collective faltered and desperately needed additional motivation from the coach, who will have noticed his roster losing its composure with each passing minute.
Player ratings (0-10; 10 = best, 5 = average)
GK Matt Turner, 3 — How do you rate a player that had a handful of big saves, but also allowed five goals? Regardless of his shot-stopping, it wasn’t enough to stifle the volley of elite-level shots launched his way.
DF Tim Weah, 2 — Initially containing Jérémy Doku in the first 20-25 minutes, Weah was then constantly chasing when it came to keeping pace with the creative winger. Early on in the second half, and with Doku gaining a dangerous amount of momentum, he was withdrawn in the 64th minute.DF Mark McKenzie, 3 — Won a few duels and provided a handful of defensive contributions, but also failed to shut down Belgium’s attack that easily worked around his presence in the backline.
DF Tim Ream, 2 — Credit to the captain for his long-range distribution, but his decision-making was suspect in a couple of Belgium’s goals. A handball from the defender also provided Belgium with their third goal.
DF Antonee Robinson, 7 — The best USMNT player of the afternoon. Although he was fairly average defensively, he more than made up for it going forward with his active role on the left flank. The chance-creator earned a well-deserved assist off the first-half corner.
MF Tanner Tessmann, 4 — Created some crucial opportunities and provided a couple of vital tackles, he was also occasionally quiet in the heart of the XI. The USMNT needed a bigger presence in his position.
MF Johnny Cardoso, 4 — With something to prove after some underwhelming performances at the international level, Cardoso had brief moments of effectiveness thanks to his movement and highly accurate passing. Pochettino said after the match that pulling Cardoso at halftime was planned because of some discomfort the player felt earlier in the week.
AM Weston McKennie, 6 — Scored the first goal, took part in dangerous runs and build-ups, and connected well with the front line. One of the few bright spots.
AM Malik Tillman, 3 — Although he was the youngest member of the XI, more was expected. In a significant position behind the striker, the attacking midfielder was surprisingly invisible for long stretches of the game. He also could have done better to help prevent Belgium’s second goal.
AM Christian Pulisic, 3 — Credit to Pulisic for tracking back and helping defensively, there wasn’t much to say about his attacking influence aside from a brief positive start to the second half.
FW Folarin Balogun, 3 — A muffled game for a striker who had a shot on target in the first half and then didn’t do much afterward in the final third.
Substitutes (players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
MF Cristian Roldan, 4 (on for Cardoso, halftime) — The Seattle Sounders FC midfielder didn’t make much of a difference, although he should be given credit for a handful of defensive contributions.
MF Sebastian Berhalter, 3 (on for Tessmann, 64′) — Didn’t have a true impact and should have done better to prevent Belgium’s fifth goal.
DF Alex Freeman, 4 (on for Weah, 64′) — Didn’t have any successful dribbles going forward and lost possession a handful of times. A couple of ball recoveries and tackles were his low-key highlights.
DF Max Arfsten, 2 (on for Robinson, 64′) — A defensive weak point on the fourth and fifth goals for Belgium.
AM Gio Reyna, N/R (on for McKennie, 70′) — Aside from his passes in the opposition half, he didn’t truly alter the state of the game.
FW Ricardo Pepi, N/R (on for Balogun, 71′) — Provided the assist for Agyemang’s goal.
FW Patrick Agyemang, N/R (on for Tillman, 71′) — Earned the consolation prize and looked hungry for a second goal late into the game.
DF Joe Scally, N/R — (on for Pulisic, 71′) Limited time and influence for the defender, who lost both of his ground duels and got booked for a shirt pull.
Chris Richards ‘available’ for USMNT vs. Portugal, but Johnny Cardoso leaving camp
MARIETTA, Ga. — U.S. men’s national team center back Chris Richards says he is available to play Tuesday against Portugal after missing Saturday’s loss 5-2 to Belgium. Richards was held out of the first game of this window due to discomfort in his knee that he started to experience after arriving in camp on Monday. U.S. manager Mauricio Pochettino said Friday that he hoped it was “nothing important,” but expressed doubt that the Crystal Palace veteran would take part in either friendly. Richards, though, said he is good to go. “I’m fine,” Richards said. “I had a bad tackle in my last game with Palace, so just a little bit of knee pain, knee soreness, but I’ve been training individually all week and I’m available tomorrow.”Midfielder Johnny Cardoso, however, is being sent back to Atlético Madrid due to discomfort in his leg, Pochettino said. Cardoso arrived with some issues from Madrid, the coach said, so the plan was for him to play 45 minutes on Saturday.“ After 45 minutes, he feel again this type of uncomfortable things in some part of his leg,” Pochettino said. The team decided to shut him down, Pochettino said. Cardoso trained in the gym Monday, and will return to his club without playing on Tuesday. As for Richards, he trained Monday with a wrap just below his right knee and a bandage on the back of it. His presence in the starting lineup is critical at a very thin center back position. Ream started alongside Mark McKenzie against Belgium, but Richards’ experience is considered vital for the U.S. group. The 26-year-old, who was the 2025 U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year, has mostly been a starter for the U.S. since the last World Cup cycle, though he missed the Qatar World Cup due to a hamstring injury. He started every game of the Gold Cup for Pochettino, as well as friendlies in September and October, but missed the November window due to a calf injury. The U.S. went back to a more traditional 4-3-2-1 on Monday, rotating midfielder Tanner Tessmann into the back line in the build-up. In the fall, the Americans used a winger-wingback hybrid role and inserted an extra defender who served as more of a center back in the build-up, but moved into the traditional right back role defensively. It effectively looks like a 3-2-2-3 shape in possession. Richards’ absence may have limited some of the options Pochettino wanted to consider for the Belgium game. Richards has started 36 games across all competitions for Palace this season, including all 26 Premier League games in which he has appeared, plus seven UEFA Conference League games.
Sixteen Year’s Ago last week Clint Dempsey scored this wonder Goal for Fulham to beat Juve in Europa League – the biggest European Competition an American had played in to that point. This is why I watch Inter Miami games when I can on FS1 or Apple – you just never know what Messi might do (oh Nashville came back and won to advance). LAFC Advanced to the Champions Cup Quarterfinals with this Martinez screamer. Check out these moves from Week 1 in NWSL. Love this story from US Soccer star Sophia Huerta about a Coach who had an impact on her life. I think this is why we old coaches- including THE OLD BALLCOACH -still coach. How about this new Intro for the World Cup and this Huge Announcement. Speaking of the World Cup it is just 76 days away now — if anyone has access to tickets to the USA vs Australia in Seattle on June 19th – we are desperately looking for tickets to that game. We have games 1 & 3 in LA, Knockouts in San Fran or Dallas but we have nothing in Seattle. (Willing to pay/trade tix/we have Semi-Finals if the US gets there). Last Minute World Cup Tix Sales phase is Apr 1 thru FIFA.
US Men Face Portugal & Belgium In World Cup Warm Up on TNT, HBO Sat vs Belgium 3:30 pm, Tues 7 pm Portugal
So the as we get down to the last 4 games before the World Cup — its time to show how far we the US has come under Poch as we finally play Top 10 ranked squads in Belgium and Portugal over the next week in Atlanta on TNT. I guess its time to see what we have less than 100 days out from the World Cup. Our front line looks good as forwards Balogun and Agyemang are on fire overseas and Pepi seems back in from at the 9. McKennie and Tillman continue to thrive in Italy and Germany respectively and Pulisic seems to have finally found his grove a little again. The real questions surround what Poch will do in the back – who are the back 3 or 4? Chris Richards for sure – but is it an aging Tim Ream and Miles Robinson or does Mark McKenzie or Trusty get the call? Jedi Robinson is back at left back – does he play the outside wingback in a 5 man back or in a 4 flat back? Who holds down the Dmid slots with Adams hurt yet again – Tanner Tessman and Roldan again ? or does Cardosa staring at Atletico get back in the mix? Where does Gio Reyna fit in this picture while not playing for club? So many questions – might be answered this week – or not? My pick the US playing vs Belgium with no Lukaku will tie them 1-1 I am thinking. I think Portugal – again without Renaldo could be a similar result – but let me set the Belgium game first.
USMNT and Bournemouth midfielder Tyler Adams revealed that the USMNT players told both U.S. Soccer and Nike that they wouldn’t partake in a photoshoot of the World Cup kit, unless they had some say in the design, following their disappointment in the 2022 World Cup kit 😯“The team wasn’t too fond of the [uniforms] we were going to be wearing [in Qatar], just because we didn’t feel it represented us necessarily and the country as we’d like. When you have an opportunity to represent your country at a World Cup … you just want to love the kit.” “For me, it was simple: I want something that’s timeless. I want to have that kit you look back at in 30 years and you’re like, ‘That’s still the best one.’ … It’s pretty straightforward: You have to have stars and stripes of some sort. They represent us perfectly.” “There was definitely a sense [Nike was] very, very uncomfortable with the [2022] situation, especially when you have 20-25 guys on a team saying they all hate the jerseys they’re about to play in. But there was a quick turnaround. They honestly welcomed the criticism and they brought us right into the loop to start the design process for the next ones.”“Weston, at one point, was coming up with some crazy designs that no one agreed with, just things that [defeated] the whole purpose of why we’re having these conversations. Guys, let’s just come up with a design that makes sense. At one point they’re showing us colors, and someone’s like, ‘Oh, I love that green.’ And I was like, ‘Get out of the room! Like, what are we doing here?’ But it’s good. It all came to the right spot.”I feel like we had more say than Nike had in it, to be honest with you.”
Indy 11 Win First 2 Games
Indy Eleven completed a successful week with its second victory in five days, earning a 2-1 win over USL Eastern Conference rival Detroit City FC in the home opener in front of 9,357 fans at Carroll Stadium. Goalkeeper Eric Dick a former Carmel Dad’s Club, Carmel High & Butler Grad made three saves to earn the victory. The Boys in Blue travel to Hartford Athletic Saturday for a 5 p.m. match on ESPN+, before returning home for a pair Tues, March 31 vs Union Omaha in US Open Cup play and again Sat 4/4 vs defending USL Champs Pittsburgh Riverhounds. Flex Mini Plans include vouchers to be redeemed for any 2026 regular season home match. Call (317) 685-1100 during business hours or email tickets@indyeleven.com.
Caught a few U12 Games over at TPC with Carter N, and Korben D for the first time Always Fun reffing with these 2 – Michael A and and Dan D at Grand Park Indoors.
World Cup Qualifying for Last 6 Spots Are Up for Grabs this Week
Six nations will join the 48-team World Cup field via this month’s playoffs
UEFA Path A bracket
March 26, 2026: Italy vs. Northern Ireland – 3:45 p.m. ET
March 26, 2026: Wales vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina – 3:45 p.m. ET (FS1)
March 31, 2026: Wales/Bosnia and Herzegovina winner vs. Italy/Northern Ireland winner – 3:45 p.m. ET
The winner of UEFA Path A will be a part of Group B with Canada, Qatar and Switzerland.
UEFA Path B bracket
March 26, 2026: Ukraine vs. Sweden – 3:45 p.m. ET
March 26, 2026: Poland vs. Albania – 3:45 p.m. ET (FS2)
March 31, 2026: Ukraine/Sweden winner vs. Poland/Albania winner – 3:45 p.m. ET
The winner of UEFA Path B will be a part of Group F with the Netherlands, Japan and Tunisia.
UEFA Path C bracket
March 26, 2026: Türkiye vs. Romania – 1 p.m. ET (FS2)
March 26, 2026: Slovakia vs. Kosovo – 3:45 p.m. ET
March 31, 2026: Slovakia/Kosovo winner vs. Türkiye/Romania winner – 3:45 p.m. ET
The winner of UEFA Path C will be a part of Group D with the United States, Paraguay and Australia.
UEFA Path D bracket
March 26, 2026: Denmark vs. North Macedonia – 3:45 p.m. ET
March 26, 2026: Czechia vs. Ireland – 3:45 p.m. ET
Tues, March 31, 2026: Czechia/Ireland winner vs. Denmark/North Macedonia winner – 3:45 p.m. ET
The winner of UEFA Path D will be a part of Group A with Mexico, South Africa and South Korea.
Pathway 1
Thurs, March 26, 2026: New Caledonia vs. Jamaica – 10 p.m. ET (FS1)
Tues March 31, 2026: DR Congo vs. New Caledonia/Jamaica winner – 5 p.m. ET (FS1)
The winner of Pathway 1 will be a part of Group K with Portugal, Uzbekistan and Colombia.
Pathway 2
March 26, 2026: Bolivia vs. Suriname – 7 p.m. ET (FS1)
Tues, March 31, 2026: Iraq vs. Bolivia/Suriname winner – 11 p.m. ET (FS1)
The winner of Pathway 2 will be a part of Group I with France, Senegal and Norway. (full stories below)
Man City Downs Arsenal in Carabu Cup
City flew by Arsenal with a little help from the Gunners Kepa’s howler to take a 2-0 win at Wembley in the Carabu Cup last Sunday. Does this mean trouble for Arsenal with just 6 games left in the Premier League Season?
Big weekend for Carmel FC
2013B Blue – Indy Turf Invitational Champs (4–0)
2015G Blue – Union FC Invitational Champs
2012B Gold – Indy Turf Finalists
3 teams. 2 trophies. 1 runner-up.
Strong start to the season. Congrats teams and coaches.
TV Schedule – Games on TV
Thurs, March 26 1 pm FS2 Turkey vs Romania WCQ 3:45 pm FS2 Poland vs Albania WCQ 3:45 pm Fubo, Ukraine vs Sweden WCQ 3:45 pm Fubo Italy vs Northern Ireland WCQ 3:45 pm Fubo Czech Republic vs Ireland WCQ 3:45 pm FS1 Wales vs Bosnia WCQ 6 pm FS1 Bolivia vs Suriname WCQ 7 pm Peacock DC Power vs Tampa Bay Rowdies USL 11 pm FS1 New Caledonia vs Jamaica WCQ Fri, March 27 3:45 pm FS1 England vs Uruguay Friendly 3:45 pm Foxsoccer.com Germany vs Switzerland Friendly 10 pm Amazon Prime Angel City vs Houston Dash NWSL Sat, Mar 28 9:30 am ESPN+ Man United vs Man City WSL 12 noon ESPN2 Boston Legacy vs Utah Royals NWSL 2 pm CBS Denver Summit vs Washington Spirit NWSL 2 pm ESPN+ NY Cosmos vs Fort Wayne USL 1 3:30 pm TNT, HBO, Peacock USA Men vs Belgium 4 pm CBS Portland Thorns vs KC Current NWSL 5 pm ESPN+ Hartford Athletic vs Indy 11 USL 6:30 pm ION Seattle Reign vs Racing Louisville NWSL 8:45 pm ION TV San Diego Wave vs Chicago Stars NWSL 9 pm Univision Mexico vs Portugal (friendly) Mon, Mar 30 12 noon FS2 Cyprus vs Moldova 2:45 pm FS1 Germany vs Ghana Friendly Tues, Mar 31 2:30 pm FS1 UEFA WC Qualifier Playoff 1 2:30 pm FS2 UEFA WC Qualifier Playoff 2 5 pm FS1. Peacock Congo DR vs TBD WCQ 1 11 pm FS1, Peacock Iraq vs TBD WCQ2 7 pm Para+ Indy 11 vs Union Omaha US Open Cup 7 pm TNT, HBO, Peacock USA Men vs Portugal Weds, Apr 1 7:30 pm CBS Galazo Michigan Bucks vs Detroit City US open Cup 8 pm CBS Sports Net Colorado Springs vs Spokane Wash US Open Cup 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
World Cup Playoffs Were Immensely Moving Men In Blazers Update
A nerve-filled Italy edged themselves past Northern Ireland. A lethal finish from Sandro Tonali (miraculously resurrected from the injury which kept him out of the Tyne-Wear derby) broke Northern Irish resistance and hearts. Italy will now travel to Wales-killers Bosniaand Herzegovina who won on penalties. Incredibly, the Italians are fighting their way into their first World Cup since 2014. As James Horncastle told us, their greatest opponent is fear of failure.
ii. I found it so hard to watch the Republic of Ireland implode and cough up a 2-0 lead that I had to leave the Brewhouse Bar, so I did not have to watch their fans ricochet from light to darkness. Up 2-0 and soaring against the Czech Republic after 23 minutes, they fell apart to go out on penalties—a savage way to experience the nation’s fifth loss in six World Cup playoff fixtures. The true agony for my friend, Icelandic Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson, was that this loss was self-inflicted. The penalty they conceded to let the Czechs back in was a moment of rash-self destruction.
I was watching the game with my friend Kevin Egan. He is flying back to Dublin for what he hoped would be Ireland’s World Cup qualification game. Instead, it will be one of the most depressing games in football history as the World Cup playoff losers now meet in friendlies next week. Ireland versus North Macedonia is going to be sadder than Tracy Chapman’s debut album.
The United States will face either Kosovo or Türkiye. Run, don’t walk to look at this Güler assist that incapacitated an entire defense. That kind of quality is what we aspire to match.
Also: This French goal to destroy Brazil last night is the kind of level we will need to raise our game to. Stunning Ekitike finish, but the team play… wow.
iv. Here are the fixtures that will decide four of the six World Cup places. All seem too close to call:
Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Italy (Tuesday, 2:45 p.m. ET, FS1) Sweden vs. Poland (Tuesday, 2:45 p.m. ET, Vix+) Kosovo vs. Turkey (Tuesday, 2:45 p.m. ET, Fox Soccer Plus) Czech Republic vs. Denmark (Tuesday, 2:45 p.m. ET, Vix+)
v. The inter-continental bracket went to form. Jamaica beat audacious minnow New Caledonia, who won over the Mexican crowd with their tenacity from the moment they sang their national anthem, more than 7,400 miles from their island nation. The Reggae Boyz now face DR Congo. Bolivia overcame Suriname late and will face Iraq in the other final.
Both the European and intercontinental playoff finals take place on Tuesday, March 3. I will recap all the glorious action in detail with the one and only Rory Smith on Wednesday.
Games on Fox Networks FS1, FS2, Foxsoccer.com Thursday & Tues
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Man it was cold last weekend at Grand Park for Sebastion’s (left) first ever game reffing.
The USMNT return to action this Saturday (3 p.m. ET, TNT/Peacock) against Belgium, before facing a Ronaldo-less Portugal on Tuesday night. This March moment has been hailed as “the most important camp” by players fighting to prove they are World Cup worthy. We bring an unbeaten-in-five record to play, while Belgium have not lost in four games on the run. Though without the injured Thibaut Courtois, Leandro Trossard, and Big Rom Lukaku, the Belgians have sufficient quality to test and probe with Kevin De Bruyne churning his magic alongside Jérémy Doku and Youri Tielemans.
From a U.S. perspective, there are so many questions about this team as we careen towards a World Cup in which we are desperate to prove ourselves to ourselves. Who will start at striker (Flo!)? Who will be in goal (Is Matt Turner making a late charge)? Is Gio Reyna, who has played just 26 minutes in 2026, our James Rodríguez—a player who soars in an international jersey in a way he does not in a club shirt? Can Christian Pulisic make the U.S. team his happy place, away from the frustration and tension he has been experiencing recently in Milan? Above all, as Mauricio Pochettinoopenly muses about a return to England—it was fascinating that he chose not to say “Right now, I am thinking only of the U.S. and the World Cup challenge” here—how does that impact the culture and focus of the team? I will talk in depth with Clint Dempsey about all of this live on stage tonight and then we’ll break down the game in its entirety right after the whistle blows on Saturday. Come be with us. I am so excited to watch. I do believe this team has the talent to make a Morocco-like run, but we have to create a culture that is unshakeable and impermeable to outside reaction. We will learn a lot about ourselves this week and I can’t wait to unpack it all alongside you. More: Watch this footage of Americans being interviewed at the 1994 World Cup. It is absolute gold.
What to know about the World Cup’s intercontinental play-off: How it works, favourites and moreThe teams and paths were laid out at a ceremony in November, which featured Wayne Gretzky Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images
What comes to mind when you hear the term ‘intercontinental play-off’? For most, the answer will involve some combination of the following: New Zealand, Australia, Uruguay, ludicrous away trips, fireworks set off outside hotel rooms, jet lag, penalty kicks, joy and desperation. These games were usually variations on a similar theme and followed a relatively settled pattern. Teams from different federations played two games — one home, one away — in order to determine who would make it to the World Cup. It was, in many ways, one of the purest expressions of the power of international football, overflowing with a kind of history-in-your-back-yard charm. For the 2026 World Cup, FIFA has decided to go in a different direction. We have, for the first time, a play-off tournament, taking place on neutral soil in Mexico, with two qualification spots up for grabs.
How does the intercontinental play-off work?
The tournament will take place between March 26 and March 31, 2026, less than three months before the World Cup itself. All the games will be played in Mexico, with matches held in Guadalajara and Monterrey. There are six teams from five confederations. Two of them — DR Congo and Iraq — were seeded for the draw because they sit higher in the FIFA men’s world rankings than the others. Those teams go directly to the finals of two mini-brackets. The remaining four sides must face off in two single-legged semi-finals to reach that stage.
How the draw played outMarcio Machado – FIFA via Getty Images
Pathway 1
Semi-final: New Caledonia vs Jamaica, March 26, Guadalajara
Most of the sides at this tournament were delighted to qualify, but not Jamaica. A home win against minnows Curacao would have been enough to send them to the World Cup proper, but they fluffed their lines in astonishing style, drawing 0-0. English head coach Steve McClaren resigned in the wake of that result.His replacement, interim Rudolph Speid, will have a solid defence to work with: Jamaica only conceded five times in 10 qualifiers (across two rounds). There are issues, however, including a perceived lack of professionalism at federation level and the feeling that the team would be better served by younger, hungrier players than by household names. It is worth noting, though, that Jamaica did hit the woodwork three times against Curacao.
The draw has been kind to them because New Caledonia are the rank outsiders in this qualifying tournament. That is not to diminish them; reaching this stage is an extraordinary achievement by any metric.New Caledonia is an island in the Pacific Ocean. It is a French overseas territory. Its population is below 300,000. Imagine Hawaii getting to the brink of a World Cup. This is more unlikely than that.It would be disingenuous to claim much knowledge about the football team. The players are part-timers. Some play in the local league, while others are dotted around clubs you’ve never heard of. Case in point: their key attacker, 37-year-old Georges Gope-Fenepej, plays in the French fourth division.On paper, it looks like an uphill challenge against Jamaica. What New Caledonia don’t lack, though, is heart. “The step is big,” coach Johann Sidaner told ESPN recently. “Maybe we have a one per cent chance of qualifying for the World Cup. But we will play 100 per cent to do it.”
Lying in wait: DR Congo, March 31, Guadalajara
The highest-ranked of the play-off teams, DR Congo narrowly missed out on direct qualification from the African system, then negotiated a tricky four-team play-off to book a place in Mexico.Their gritty, acrimonious victory over Nigeria outlined some of their assets. There was the togetherness to recover from going behind early, plus a level of control in possession that slowly tilted the match in their favour. The midfield, set up around the brilliant Sunderland youngster Noah Sadiki, is one area of strength. Another is the defence, anchored by the experienced Chancel Mbemba.French coach Sebastien Desabre is already a national hero, having completely changed the team’s fortunes since arriving in 2022. A spot at the World Cup would only enhance his reputation further.
Pathway 2
Semi-final: Bolivia vs Suriname, March 26, Monterrey
Bolivia are perhaps football’s most Jekyll-and-Hyde team, tough to beat at home but generally timid on the road. That is mainly down to the altitude factor: they host matches at over 4,000 metres above sea level, which makes life incredibly difficult for even the best teams. It was their strong home record that helped them see off Venezuela to finish seventh in South American qualifying.This is not a team set up to grind out results. Their defence is fragile and the midfield does not provide great cover. Marcelo Moreno, their attacking focal point for the best part of two decades, retired during this World Cup cycle. What Bolivia do have is a talisman: wriggly winger Miguel Terceros, who plays his club football in Brazil and finished qualifying with seven goals.Suriname, Bolivia’s opponents (and fellow South Americans, geographically speaking), came within a whisker of qualifying directly from the Concacaf region. Still, even a play-off place is the stuff of dreams for a nation who were languishing in 191st place in the rankings as recently as December 2015.Their ascent since then owes much to strategy at the federation level. A country that has lost many of its most talented sons — Edgar Davids, Clarence Seedorf, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink — to the Netherlands national team sought to reverse the pattern, trawling the Dutch leagues for players of Surinamese descent. The result? A few rumbles of discontent, but a more talented squad — and an ever-growing sense of momentum.Managed by former Ajax goalkeeper Stanley Menzo, Suriname like to dominate possession. Bolivia, who play in bursts, will probably let them do so. The latter will likely start this one as slight favourites, but do not rule out another chapter of the Suriname fairytale.
Lying in wait: Iraq, March 31, Monterrey
Iraq have not reached a World Cup since 1986 — their only appearance to date — and would have been forgiven for thinking the universe was against them during qualifying. They narrowly lost out to Jordan in the third round of the Asian process; the mini-tournament for the fourth round was then relocated to Saudi Arabia, whose national team happened to be competing.In the end, it took a dramatic, redemptive victory over the United Arab Emirates for them to reach this point.This is, in some ways, a side in transition. Australian coach Graham Arnold only took over in May, and the general feeling is he has yet to establish much in the way of an overarching identity, at least in tactical terms. What Iraq do have is a sense of unity and, in Mohanad Ali and Aymen Hussein, two proven international goalscorers.
USMNT players speak up about what Pochettino the coach is like
Jeff Carlisle and Lizzy Becherano ESPN Mar 25, 2026, 06:44 AM ET
at first glance, descriptions of what it’s like to play for U.S. men’s national team manager Mauricio Pochettino are littered with contradictions. Among the words players use are “intense,” “passionate” and “demanding” — but those are almost immediately followed by words seemingly at the other end of the emotional spectrum. “Family” comes up, as does “likable,” even “loving.”
In many respects, that is the nature of coaching. When trying to extract the best out of a group of players, the emotions and approaches cover a broad spectrum, and can vary widely across individuals, or even from minute to minute. There are times to drop the hammer, and other moments to put an arm around the shoulder. And despite a coach’s best efforts, they can’t reach every player. That doesn’t mean they stop trying. Based on recent evidence, Pochettino’s approach appears to be working. The USMNT is unbeaten in its past five games heading into friendly matches against Belgium on March 28 and Portugal three days later.
Granted, this string of positive results consisted of all friendlies, but with the U.S. co-hosting this summer’s World Cup, and no World Cup qualifying slog to go through, the USMNT can play only the teams that are in front of them. To that end, the team’s trajectory is decidedly upward, and that is down in large part to Pochettino’s approach — and the players’ receptiveness to his methods.
“Above all, he just expects intensity, and he expects mentality — he expects energy,” midfielder Cristian Roldan told ESPN when asked about Pochettino. “I think those things are really contagious. So he’s very likable. He’ll hug you. He’ll have a conversation with you. He’ll yell at you. But in the end, it comes from a good place. And as long as you bring what he wants, you’re going to be in a good spot.”
It was clear when Pochettino was hired in September 2024 that things needed to change within the USMNT. Like the dark side of the Force, negative habits and emotions had slowly crept into the U.S. team. Some of this was down to having two back-to-back interim managers over six months — Anthony Hudson and B.J. Callaghan — to start 2023, and then opting to rehire Gregg Berhalter to the post later that year. The progress the USMNT achieved during the 2022 cycle wasn’t replicated in Berhalter’s second go-round. Complacency set in and the project stagnated. So, when Pochettino came on board as an objective outsider, he made it clear that there would be no guaranteed starters. Players would have to earn their spots, regardless of their perceived status within the team or from the broader public. Everyone would be held accountable. “No one’s special — when you come into camp, you’re a U.S. men’s national team player, you deserve to be here,” midfielder Tyler Adams told ESPN. “[He’ll] make sure that you get better each time you come into camp and feel worthy. But at the same time, it’s required from you to put what you’re going to get in and get out of it. So, every single camp guys have learned and adjusted to that.
“But I don’t want to say that he’s changed the culture — I’d say he’s brought the culture out of us. I think we’ve had that in us and it just took someone to bring it out of us, and I think he’s done a great job of that.” And how did Pochettino do that exactly? To hear Adams tell it, the approach — at least a high level — was simple. “I think he’s a little bit more strict in certain things,” Adams said. “I think that the standards that were set were clear from day one. You don’t break my trust. You don’t break the rules. You don’t disrespect one another or you won’t be around.” The adjustment did take some time. The performances at the 2025 Concacaf Nations League finals, when the USMNT fell in consecutive matches to Panama and Canada, were horrid. It led to multiple former USMNT players questioning the heart and desire of the current generation. Pochettino responded by not calling up certain players — most notably Weston McKennie — for subsequent camps. Due in part to injuries to the likes of Antonee Robinson and Folarin Balogun, but also what Pochettino called “football decisions,” the coach took a decidedly youthful squad to the 2025 Gold Cup. Twelve players on the roster had five or fewer international appearances. While the U.S. ultimately lost to Mexico in the Gold Cup final, the message was clear: Pochettino would call up the best team that worked together, not the best 26 players.
But the Argentine also showed patience. Every player encounters a coaching change at some point in their career. With Pochettino, there was an understanding that a different coach from a very different background would take some getting used to. “You understand that there’s going to be nuances and there’s going to be growing pains that come along with [a coaching change], but you also understand you have to have grace with one another,” U.S. defender Mark McKenzie told ESPN. “So I think that was the biggest thing, is recognizing that it’s not going to be perfect in the first moments. They started to learn us the same way we need to learn them.”
Is Mauricio Pochettino is under pressure to deliver success for USMNT at the World Cup?
The ‘Futbol Americas’ crew to debate if Mauricio Pochettino is under serious pressure to deliver success for the USMNT as they prepare to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup.Those growing pains now appear to have been overcome. But with less than 100 days until the World Cup, and just one more international window taking place, tensions are bound to rise as the May date for the World Cup roster announcement approaches. With Pochettino’s no-favorites approach, will fear be the predominant emotion during the run-up to the tournament?”I’ll be very honest: I think some guys will probably feel scared,” veteran U.S. defender Tim Ream told ESPN. “I think that’s a realistic and a real feeling that some guys will have.”The approach that you have to take is, well, your spot is never guaranteed no matter where you are. Someone’s always younger, faster, better, trying to take your spot. So how do you hold that off as long as possible? Well, you just keep working. That’s the way the sport is.”
The USMNT’s intense ‘die for the shirt’ approach
Pochettino’s culture of accountability bleeds into the training sessions, sometimes literally. For the players, the moment the boots go on, there is nothing else in the world that matters. Perfection isn’t expected but maximum effort, intensity and laser-like focus are. Training sessions become a test of mental endurance as much they are about physical fortitude.”What’s the most important thing? That pass is the most important thing. That touch is the most important thing,” said Ream. “That piece of communication — whether you’re telling somebody left, right, go this way, go that way — is the most important thing. And so when I [refer to] how demanding he is, he wants all of that.”In every single training session, as soon as you cross the line, your focus is nowhere but there. And that can be draining. Yeah — it can be very draining.” Pochettino expects that intensity to permeate every aspect of the training session. That includes reaching a level of physicality that replicates game-like situations. Yes, the tackles do fly in at times. “Whether it’s 11-v-11, a small-sided game, yeah, I’m going to get stuck in,” said McKenzie. “I’m not doing it to the point where it’s going to harm or hurt my teammate. But at the same time, I’m not just going to jump over his foot just because — I’m going to make sure I’m getting stuck in. “I want to win this tackle. I want to win this duel. So there’s ways to go about it without harming each other, but you want to have that competitive nature, competitive edge in trainings because that’s the way we want to play the game.” The thinking behind this approach is that it raises the level of the entire group.
“You have guys that don’t normally want to get into tackles, getting into tackles,” said Roldan. “Those are the things that are contagious.”
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The Futbol Americans crew discuss if Christian Pulisic was correct to hit back criticism aimed at him from some USMNT legends including Landon Donovan.
In terms of the cadence of the sessions, they are intended to condition the players to what they will see in the game. Every drill, tactical session, gym workout or activation has a purpose behind it. The philosophy is that there is no wasted energy.
“[The drills] all form this tunnel to make sure that the final product on the field is the way we want it to look or the way that we are training for it to look,” said McKenzie.
It results in training sessions that end with the right level of utter exhaustion and the desire to want to do it again the next day. Pochettino’s cultural reset has had the desired effect.
“I think the overarching culture is that guys would die for the shirt right now,” goalkeeper Matt Turner told ESPN.
No longer ‘inmates running the asylum’
In the previous cycle, Berhalter appointed a so-called leadership council of select players, which the coaching staff used to take the temperature on certain issues. Under Pochettino there’s no such structure in place. Multiple players said the current setup makes for better dialogue where anyone can speak up.
“It becomes almost like the inmates running the asylum,” said Ream about the past leadership council. “So, it almost becomes where there’s a group of players who have a lot of the say, and then there’s a group who are a little bit hesitant. So they’re like, ‘Well, he chose those guys. I can’t say anything.’
“Now it’s like, ‘Guys, we’re all in this together.’ OK, yes, I’m the oldest. I’m not the loudest. So, Tyler [Adams], Chris [Richards], you want to be the loudest? Be the loudest, bro. It’s no problem. And it’s a give-and-take, but everybody feels empowered to speak and say whatever they feel — equal and in a positive way.”
While Pochettino prefers to leave players alone when they are with their clubs, Ream feels the level of communication now among players, even away from camp, is greater than it has ever been. The number of group chats has increased to the point that he says he “can’t keep up with them all.”
Make no mistake. Pochettino is still the boss, and hasn’t hesitated to publicly come down on players when he feels they’ve strayed out of their lane.
The USMNT’s biggest star and face of the team, Christian Pulisic, said he “didn’t understand” Pochettino’s decision to not include him in a pair of pre-Gold Cup friendlies, even as Pulisic said he was skipping the Gold Cup. Pochettino declared that as manager, he was “not a mannequin” and would make the decisions he felt were best for the team, regardless of what Pulisic thought.
Pochettino also later criticized midfielder Timothy Weah for a seemingly innocuous comment about how high World Cup ticket prices were, stating that it’s not a player’s “duty” to discuss such topics, insisting he focus purely on his game.
Whether that’s just Pochettino keeping his players in line and focused on the task ahead, or the hints of possible discontent, remain to be seen. The ultimate judge of Pochettino’s approach will be the results of this summer’s World Cup. But for now, there appears to be total buy-in from the players — at least from what they are saying publicly.
Pochettino getting ‘personal’ with players
Communication is arguably the most important aspect of coaching. It enables a manager to impart knowledge, build trust, increase motivation and improve performance. Entire locker rooms can be lost by saying the wrong thing at the wrong time.
Pochettino’s communication style can be divided into two parts: the way he speaks on the field, and away from it.
On the field during training, timing is everything. Knowing when to keep quiet is just as important as knowing what to say. In moments of struggle, there is benefit to seeing if players can solve problems on their own. Stop things too often, and the rhythm of the training session gets mangled.
“I think [Pochettino] does a really good job of knowing when to step in in a training session and say, ‘Guys, we have to have more. You need more. I need more from you’ or ‘We need to do this as a group better,'” said Ream. “And I think when you interject immediately when you see something wrong, I think if you do it too much, it loses its value.
“Mauricio, he has this innate ability to know when is the right time to step in and when is the right time to just watch and see.”
That dovetails well with what happens in matches. It’s a players’ game, and once the whistle blows, the manager only has so much influence. Oftentimes, it’s up to the players to figure out things on the fly. McKenzie likens it to an assembly line.”You’re going through the training sessions and you’re building that framework of the car, but the driver is going to be the one who ultimately is able to get the most out of that vehicle,” he said. “And that’s pretty much the picture I’d say of what Mauricio wants to do.”Away from the training ground is when Pochettino does some of his most important work. It’s where he can sidle up to a player, get details about their background and what’s happening with their home life. It’s a moment to communicate with a gentler touch rather than the heightened, competitive emotions of a game or practice. It gives Pochettino more data on what buttons to push with which players and when.”He’s wanting to have personal conversations. He’s wanting to know about your family,” Ream said. “He’s wanting to understand and know everybody on a much deeper connected level. Guys were a little bit uneasy about that kind of thing early on and now they understand how he operates and how he works.”Turner added: “When you have a coach that is intense, demanding, and loving, you take the time to get to know him, and you see what works communicationwise and what doesn’t work. Then, you try to learn a lot about each other and just open up.”The result is greater sense of connectedness throughout the team. During the previous cycle, there was lots of talk about the brotherhood that existed among the players. Now the word that gets used is “family” — one that includes not just players, but the entire staff as well.”That family side of it is huge,” McKenzie said, “and it creates an environment where the door is open for guys to have conversations and feel like you’re part of the team, whether it’s your first camp or whether it’s your 51st camp.”That closeness is preparing both the players and staff for the gauntlet of the World Cup, which starts for the USMNT on June 12 against Paraguay. If the USMNT performs as it hopes, the players could end up spending two months together in the intense pressure cooker of the sport’s biggest tournament, from the time their camp begins in May to the World Cup final on July 19.”It has to be that way because you’re all trying to do something incredible,” said Ream. “You’re all going to a tournament that’s going to be the biggest one in the history of this sport. You have to have those feelings. You have to be that close. You have to be that tight-knit. You have to feel all of that, because without that it doesn’t matter.”
National Writer: Charles Boehm
USMNT roster: Pochettino sets stage for final World Cup auditions
Charles Boehm Tuesday, Mar 17, 2026, 05:06 PM
The US men’s national team are mere days away from their final gathering before a FIFA World Cup summer, this month’s high-profile friendlies against Belgium and Portugal at Atlanta United‘s Mercedes-Benz Stadium. There’s now just a matter of weeks to go before that massive, long-awaited tournament on home soil kicks off against Paraguay in Southern California on June 12. And still head coach Mauricio Pochettino doesn’t have full availability of all his players due to a wide spectrum of injuries and fitness concerns, with regulars like Tyler Adams, Diego Luna, Haji Wright and Sergiño Dest left off the March roster released on Tuesday morning. It’s a recurring reality of the international game, by now familiar to ‘Poch’ and his staff. So, regardless of who’s in uniform, they expect the same high level displayed in last autumn’s wins over Australia, Paraguay and Uruguay, probably the team’s best outings under Pochettino. “Most important is to try to detect the right selection, to be very, very close to performing the way that we perform in the last two camps,” the Argentine manager told reporters after his squad was unveiled, noting there are 10 personnel changes from then to now. “October and November were a very good example that, maybe with a different roster, different names, but the team performed. And what we need to do is to have the possibility to see [that] again in this camp.” Representing the @USMNT in friendlies against Belgium and Portugal. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/VghaPkPY9V— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 17, 2026
Questions remain
When they congregate at U.S. Soccer’s brand-new National Training Center, the gleaming facility in exurban Atlanta named after chief benefactor and ATLUTD owner Arthur Blank, Pochettino & Co. must swiftly gather their firsthand evaluations of players they haven’t worked with up close in some four months, then fashion lineups that can stand toe-to-toe with two of Europe’s most talented contenders. Is the Tim Ream-Chris Richards center-back pairing still the best choice at the heart of defense? Can anyone challenge Matt Freese’s hold on the starting goalkeeper job? Will Weston McKennie translate his superb form at Juventus to the national team? Does Christian Pulisic remain the attacking nexus despite a recent paucity of goal contributions at AC Milan? And which strikers will make the cut? “It’s an art, because every single player is different and can add different things to the team,” said Pochettino. “We cannot follow some rule, because I think it’s not fair to judge all in the same way. But I think it’s two different things that we appreciate, and we expect for the players to add to the national team. “Because all are completely different – different character, different profiles, different quality, different talent.”
Last chance saloon
Peruse this roster, then consider the notable absences – which also extends to FC Dallas product Alejandro Zendejas, left out despite his ongoing productivity for LIGA MX giants Club América – and the difficulty of the numbers game facing the coach and his players becomes evident. The USMNT called in 27 for this month’s camp. Though it’s not yet official, FIFA is expected to limit World Cup rosters to 26 players. Poch previously said he’d prefer not to call anyone in for pre-World Cup friendlies vs. Senegal and Germany who hasn’t already made the cut for the tournament itself. The writing on the wall: A handful of those who’ll gather in ATL are staring at a final audition, in addition to the ongoing search for chemistry among those who’ll work together on the pitch. “Decisions in this roster, what I can tell you [is] that everyone is saying that maybe is the last opportunity, but it’s not closed,” said Pochettino. “It’s open. This is still open. It’s not the final roster. “You can see injuries. You can see combinations,” he added. “The combinations and the dynamic of the group can change, depending on the selection. That is so important for me.”
Key names return
Motioning with an invisible ruler in his hand, Pochettino admitted there can be no hard-and-fast, objective standard for inclusion, because each player carries their own context, their own skill set and relationship to the collective, above and beyond their current status at club level. That’s why New York City FC academy product Gio Reyna and Orlando City alum Alex Freeman are back with the group despite precious little playing time with their European clubs, Borussia Mönchengladbach and Villarreal CF, respectively. Luna didn’t get the call despite making his 2026 MLS debut for Real Salt Lake last weekend as he works his way back from a nagging knee issue. “The most important is what the player can add to the team,” noted Poch, “and if he can be the right player to help the team to perform.” Charles Boehm – @cboehm
USMNT Aims to Carry Over Energy From 2025’s Statement Finish
USMNT Aims to Carry Over Energy From 2025’s Statement Finish
MARIETTA, Ga. – The U.S. Men’s National Team hasn’t seen action in more than four months, since November 18, 2025, and as the team prepares to play its first match of the calendar year against ninth-ranked Belgium on Saturday, March 28 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, USMNT players have reportedly been itching to pick up right where they left off.
The USMNT concluded 2025 on a soaring note, defeating then-14th ranked Uruguay at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The U.S. mounted an energetic and fearless performance, scoring four first-half goals against the two-time World Cup winners en route to a statement 5-1 win.
The victory over Uruguay wrapped a highly successful back half of the year for head coach Mauricio Pochettino and his team. Under Pochettino’s leadership, the U.S. compiled an 8W-2L-2D record in its final 12 matches of the year and enters a two-match set against a pair of top-10 European sides riding a six-match unbeaten streak against World Cup-qualified opponents.
“Leaving that game, in the style how we won it, all of us wanted to come back and play the next week and continue on with it,” defender Auston Trusty said Wednesday. “It’s been three, four months since we’ve all seen each other. There’s been some time, but hopefully we bring that energy back and bring that momentum from leaving that game.”
The Celtic FC defender started the November win over Uruguay and made major contributions on both ends of the pitch. Trusty assisted defender Alex Freeman’s second goal of his brace and later helped set up midfielder Diego Luna’s finish in the 42nd minute.
Trusty was one of five center backs called up for March training camp, joining Tim Ream, Chris Richards, Mark McKenzie and Miles Robinson. Each player in that group is looking to vie for a spot on Pochettino’s 26-player roster for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup later this year. Last week, the head coach used this position group to demonstrate the level of competition in this camp and emphasize that no player is guaranteed a spot on the World Cup roster at this point.
Players have reported knowing that roster spots are still up for grabs has created high intensity and competition in training. It’s also helped them stay focused and not look too far ahead.
“Individually, you have to do your thing, play your game, and put yourself in the best position to get stuff for the team,” Trusty said. “Also while you’re on the team, while you’re in the squad, in camp, it’s [about] being the teammate that’s working hard during training, supporting staff, supporting the players around you, and really giving it your all.”
Another center back in the mix is Robinson, who has earned 38 caps for the U.S. Men’s National Team in his career. The two matches this week in Atlanta marks Robinson’s return to the same training site and stadium where he began his professional soccer career. In 2017, Robinson was the first MLS SuperDraft pick in Atlanta United history, going No. 2 overall out of Syracuse. The center back played seven years at the club, making 123 regular season appearances and winning the 2018 MLS Cup with the 5-Stripes, before moving on to FC Cincinnati.
“First and foremost, I’m very grateful to be back and representing the stars and stripes here,” Robinson said. “Atlanta definitely did a lot for me, in terms of my career.”
The most-capped center back in March camp, Ream, described earlier this week the importance of playing loose and confident, to not feel like your knuckles are turning white from such a tight grip. His two teammates on the backline both agreed that this moment heading into the two Atlanta matches is about staying focused on the present moment and making the most of the opportunities in front of you.
“Every day, every game, every training session is to put itself in position to make that spot, make that position for the team to be one of the key players,” Trusty said.
“It’s about understanding that every day is a mission,” Robinson said. “You have to compete at your best, recognizing that you have to be coachable. You have to understand what Poch wants from you but also have that mentality to be focused in every aspect of the game. Keep as many clean sheets as possible and do the most you can in any opportunity that you get.”
Why Mauricio Pochettino wants the USMNT’s ‘right 26 — not the best’ for the World Cup
MARIETTA, Ga. — In the two months before he finalizes his U.S. World Cup roster, Mauricio Pochettino will weigh factors that go beyond soccer ability.Without pure talent, of course, the Americans will not go very far in the 48-team tournament unfolding this summer across North America. Accordingly, Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and many other regulars are sure bets for a 26-man squad revealed May 26.But Pochettino has also said he will select “the right 26 — not the best; the right 26.”In other words, he is looking to curate a team that functions well both on and off the field — one that will fortify bonds over at least five consecutive weeks at hotels, on buses and jets, and handles the searing pressure of playing in the sport’s greatest spectacle on home soil.The last thing Pochettino wants is a breach like the one involving Gio Reyna and, by extension, Gregg Berhalter’s entire unit at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Over the tournament’s history, multiple teams, notably France in 2010, have been knocked off track by bad chemistry or preventable incidents.“Yes, you want great players who are going to make great plays within the game,” Brad Guzan, a reserve goalkeeper for the 2010 and 2014 U.S. World Cup teams, told Yahoo Sports. “But the reality is probably not everyone is going to see minutes, and if that’s the case, you need to make sure they’re going to be able to fit within a team environment and be able to help and contribute in other meaningful ways.”
The USMNT’s World Cup roster won’t be about talent alone under Mauricio Pochettino. (John Dorton/ISI Photos/USSF via Getty Images)
Building the right locker room
Upon his hiring in the fall of 2024, Pochettino set out to change the team culture and set a fresh vibe. It did not come easy. It took until last summer’s Concacaf Gold Cup for Pochettino’s message to get through and for the players to fully buy into his plans.
With everyone aboard, positive results began to follow. The Americans will carry a five-game unbeaten streak against World Cup-bound opponents into daunting tests at Mercedes-Benz Stadium versus Belgium on Saturday and Portugal on Tuesday. The nine-day camp marks the final assembly before Pochettino selects the “right 26.”Pochettino’s bonding efforts seemed to have taken hold. Veteran defender Tim Ream said arriving to Atlanta this week after four months since the previous camp was “like “seeing family all over again.”Because camaraderie and results went hand in hand through the fall, “Guys have a hunger,” Ream said. “They want to be a part of a team that’s moving in the right direction and playing well and fighting for each other.”
The team’s fighting spirit revealed itself in an actual fight late in the 2-1 victory over Paraguay last November. Alex Freeman was at the center of it, and within seconds, Sebastian Berhalter and others had rushed to his aid.“We backed our guy,” midfielder Tanner Tessmann said. “That is what it’s all about, man.”In the transactional period between Berhalter’s firing after the 2024 Copa América and Pochettino’s hiring months later, however, such reactions were not a given. A native of Argentina, where representing La Albiceleste is the greatest honor, the new boss needed to rekindle the U.S. fire.Now that the blaze is almost self-sustainable, Pochettino must go about picking his World Cup unit with compatible pieces.The idea of selecting the “right” players rather than the “best” players is not original.“You pick the best 26 members that make the best team, which is a concept difficult to understand,” Portugal coach Roberto Martinez told Yahoo Sports. “If you’ve got a player that plays every minute and is the star of their [club] team and he comes to a national team and he can only play five or six minutes [as] a supportive player, it’s a completely different role. It’s very, very difficult to have a committed player in that role.”
Martinez, of course, has a trickier task than Pochettino, juggling many more world-class players — and egos. But the concept remains the same: constructing a team that functions on and off the field for an extended period, even if that means passing over a quality player.So how will the process play out for Pochettino? Soccer is not like basketball or baseball, sports where statistics tell most of the story.He and his staff will weigh players’ form with their respective clubs and the national team. They will consider experience, versatility, on-field partnerships and data analytics. They will rely on intuition. And they will weigh how a player fits in the group.They don’t expect any distractions from Reyna, who, from all indications, is more mature and focused than four years ago. Despite scant playing time at German club Mönchengladbach in 2026, he was invited to camp this week.Every player seems to recognize the importance of putting the team first.“You have to do your thing and play your game and be in the best position to [stay] with the team,” center back Auston Trusty said. “But while you’re on the team, while you’re in camp, it’s being the teammate that’s working hard during training, supporting the players around you and really giving them your all. That’s really just about the mindset.”Center back Miles Robinson said “you have to understand every day is kind of a mission, that you have to compete at your best, recognizing you have to be coachable. You have to understand what Poch wants from you.”
Guzan — Atlanta United’s newly appointed club ambassador and sporting adviser after a 20-year playing career — said the days between World Cup matches are when teams can come together or slip apart.“Whatever the result of the game, there’s going to be training the next day and there’s going to be guys that maybe are upset they didn’t play or play more,” said Guzan, who, as Tim Howard’s two-time back-up, didn’t play in the World Cup. “You need guys that understand what’s needed in certain moments. So from the outside, you may have the opinion that this player should be there or that player shouldn’t be there, but inside of camp, they’re offering things that aren’t seen.”A U.S. player who seems to personify that role is Seattle’s Cristian Roldan, a seasoned midfielder from the 2022 squad who, since last fall, has become a Pochettino favorite for his leadership, experience and acceptance he might never step onto the field. That doesn’t mean Roldan isn’t good enough to contribute on the field, but with a large roster and no more than five substitutions per match, Pochettino values his intangibles.“I expect competition every camp, but this one, especially leading up to the World Cup, with the things Coach said that no one spot is guaranteed, proving yourself each and every day is extremely important,” Roldan said.
As the World Cup nears, USMNT’s center back corps remains uncertain, unsettled
ATLANTA — At nearly every position, the U.S. men’s national team enters 2026 with depth. It has multiple strikers who would have started in 2022. In midfield, regulars at Champions League clubs might need to settle for places on the USMNT bench. Even at wingback, there are three players starting (when healthy) for top-50 clubs, a fourth who just moved to one, and a fifth who’s a fixture in the German Bundesliga.And then, on the other hand, there is center back.The position, USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino said back in September, is “really open.”He and his predecessors have seemingly spent much of the 2026 World Cup cycle waiting for central defenders to emerge. With the tournament less than three months away, only one, Chris Richards, really has.Tim Ream, of course, is still around. For a while, he felt like a placeholder whose value was as a bridge and a veteran presence. Now, at age 38, he’s the USMNT’s most-frequent captain and apparently a starter, even as he sometimes struggles to cope with the speed of MLS.
Ream is a starter because no others have emerged to seize his place. Pochettino, who was a center back himself in his playing days and should have an intimate knowledge of the craft, called up 11 players in that position throughout 2025. He tried two other natural fullbacks on the right side of a back three. Many are decent players, but beyond Richards and arguably Ream, none would inspire confidence if thrown into a World Cup game.Noahkai Banks, left, remains undecided about his international future.Adam Pretty / Getty ImagesNoahkai Banks is the most talented. And when Pochettino welcomed him to a maiden camp in September, he said that the now-19-year-old Banks “can be a really important player, in a position that, for every single national team, is difficult to find.” He speculated that Banks, by season’s end, could “be maybe the best center back in Europe or in Germany.” As of March, he isn’t quite that, but he’s broken through and is now considered one of the top young defenders in the Bundesliga.
The problem: He’s never actually played for the USMNT, and he hasn’t yet decided whether to represent the U.S., the country of his birth; or Germany, the country where he’s spent the vast majority of his life.Banks made it “very clear” that he was “not available to be selected” for the USMNT’s March roster, Pochettino said last week. He has also said he won’t rush the decision or make it “dependent on a World Cup.” So, it feels highly unlikely that he’d commit and debut on the biggest stage of all this summer.“So,” Ream said Monday, “we work with the group that’s in [camp] right now.”That group is Richards, Ream, Mark McKenzie, Miles Robinson and Auston Trusty, plus Alex Freeman and Joe Scally, the two fullbacks whom Pochettino has played on the right side of a three.Of the group, only Ream was at the 2022 World Cup. Richards and Robinson would have been if not for injuries. Over the three years since, Richards has grown into a consistent starter at Crystal Palace in the English Premier League. But Robinson never quite resumed his pre-Achilles tendon tear ascent. He has settled in at his level, as one of the better center backs in MLS.McKenzie has found his, too, at Toulouse, a middling club in France’s Ligue 1.Trusty, who has bounced from Birmingham City (on loan) to Sheffield United to Celtic, started the USMNT’s very first game of the 2026 cycle… and then didn’t start another one until the very last game of 2025.Trusty’s Celtic teammate, Cameron Carter-Vickers, was at one point a promising prospect, but plateaued and is now injured.Walker Zimmerman, another 2022 World Cup veteran, is now 32 and has seemingly fallen down the depth chart. At best, he would be brought to the World Cup as something of a closer, because of his ability to win aerial duels.Pochettino, in search of long shots, called up Tristan Blackmon in September, but that experiment didn’t pan out. The coach’s piloting of a hybrid back three made Scally and Freeman options on the right, but it didn’t really change the broader calculus.
And even Freeman, who earned Pochettino’s trust throughout the summer and fall, has hardly played competitive soccer since November. He moved from Orlando City to Villarreal in January, and has played just 38 minutes in four substitute appearances thus far.What You Should Read NextUSA or Germany? Noahkai Banks’ personal decision more nuanced than casual discourse around itThe 19-year-old is eligible to play for both the U.S. and Germany and faces a tough decision amid a sea of outside noise“Obviously I haven’t got the minutes I’ve wanted,” Freeman said Tuesday. He noted that the competitiveness of training sessions at Villarreal, plus “extra work” in lieu of playing time, helps him “stay sharp.” But without actual match sharpness, it’s tough to see Freeman being a reliable starter for the national team this summer.So, there is currently a question mark to the right of Richards. And to his left, there is Ream, a model of longevity but a player who has seemingly lost a step since 2022.Ream spoke this week about the secrets to his longevity. “If I had to pick one, I would say just being adaptable; understanding that different coaches do and want different things,” he said. He has adapted to Pochettino’s ways and wants. He gives the U.S. precisely what it needs as a ball-playing defender and distributor. But his lack of pace could be a liability.So the position, it seems, remains open and uncertain as friendly tests here against Belgium and Portugal beckon.“I think every day, every game, every training session we get, it’s to put ourselves in a position to make that spot, make that position for the team and be one of the key players for the team,” Trusty said Wednesday.
USMNT’s European edge: The stunning rise of Alex Freeman and Patrick Agyemang from MLS to final World Cup camp
Steven GoffContributing writer Tue, March 24, 2026 at 5:52 PM EDT·
MARIETTA, Ga. — Alex Freeman and Patrick Agyemang were among the two dozen or so U.S. players on the team bus rumbling into this Atlanta suburb Tuesday morning for the second day of the final training camp before Mauricio Pochettino selects his World Cup roster in two months.Distance from the team hotel: 12 miles. Lengths swiftly traversed in their career arc: incalculable. A year ago, Freeman was in his first full Major League Soccer season with Orlando City, best known to some as the son of a Super Bowl-winning wide receiver, Antonio Freeman. Alex had played for youth national teams but never for the senior squad.A year ago, Agyemang was still harnessing his 6-foot-4 frame after a breakout season with Charlotte FC in 2024. He had auditioned for Pochettino early in 2025, but, as with Freeman, the World Cup seemed a million miles away.A year later, both have matriculated overseas, with Freeman at Villarreal in Spain and Agyemang at Derby County in England. Both have received regular U.S. call-ups. And with the sport’s quadrennial carnival kicking off across North America in less than three months, both are in serious contention for Pochettino’s 26-man squad.“It’s been very quick,” said Freeman, who had started just 16 MLS matches before making his U.S. debut last summer. “It’s been just a moment for me to realize how serious things are but to adjust. I feel like it’s been a blessing. [I’ve] been grateful to be able to have eight or 10 months [that] kind of changed my life.”Freeman and Agyemang are among six regulars who have taken full advantage of opportunities since last summer when Pochettino broadened and accelerated the roster-building process. The others are goalkeeper Matt Freese, wing back Max Arfsten, and midfielders Sebastian Berhalter and Diego Luna — players who, for the most part, were not seriously in the mix as of early 2025.Except for Luna, who recently recovered from a knee injury, all are in the nine-day U.S. camp, which will feature heavyweight friendlies at Mercedes-Benz Stadium against Belgium on Saturday and Portugal next Tuesday. Pochettino is scheduled to announce his World Cup squad on May 26.While those four have expanded their MLS profiles, Freeman and Agyemang parlayed performance for club and country into missions abroad.
Alex Freeman moved to Villarreal following his rapid rise with Orlando City. (Alex Caparros via Getty Images)
Alex Freeman’s Villarreal challenge
Freeman, a 21-year-old right back and wing, joined Villarreal in La Liga in late January, though an initial dearth of playing time could cloud his World Cup outlook.“Obviously, I haven’t gotten the minutes I’ve wanted,” said the South Floridian, who has logged 42 minutes in four Villarreal appearances. “But I feel like I also got the experience at a high level in Spain to be able to stay sharp against [some] of the best players on the team and maybe even the league.”Joining a prominent club was challenging enough, but he was joining one in the middle of the season and now sitting third behind superpowers Barcelona and Real Madrid while pursuing a 2026-27 Champions League berth. As Freeman has learned, the lineup does not typically change much when things are going well.Because of his MLS offseason and Villarreal bench time, Freeman has not started for any team since a two-goal performance in the 5-1 U.S. romp over Uruguay more than four months ago.U.S. teammate Cristian Roldan cautioned that “it’s going to take a whole lot for him to see the field [in Spain]. The level of competition is very high over there, but I fully expect him to tap into even more of his potential, grow as a player, be uncomfortable in certain situations, so that he continues to grow.”Before joining Villarreal, Freeman consulted with Pochettino and U.S. star Weston McKennie, a Juventus star. Freeman said they told him the move was “high risk, high reward.”Roldan, a 30-year-old midfielder in his 12th season with Seattle, praised Freeman’s ball skills and his ability to “wiggle out of pressure.”With Sergiño Dest, Pochettino’s first-choice right back, sidelined with a hamstring injury, Freeman should get the chance to continue proving his value – even if he’s not in prime form.He said he wants to show he is “the same Freeman you guys all see on the field.”
Derby County’s Patrick Agyemang is working to establish himself in England’s second-tier ahead of the World Cup. (Steven Paston – PA Images via Getty Images)
Agyemang thriving in the Championship
Agyemang, a 25-year-old striker, has been a hit at Derby County in the second-flight English Championship, recording 10 goals and three assists while starting 29 consecutive league matches for an East Midlands club locked in a heated race for a promotion playoff berth.Since arriving in England, Agyemang said, “I’ve grown into the person and player I am now. It’s been amazing. I feel myself building in all types of areas, on and off the field, and I think it could obviously translate here as well and help the [U.S.] team.”This camp is critical for Agyemang, who appears to be No. 4 on the depth chart behind Monaco’s Folarin Balogun, Coventry City’s Haji Wright and PSV Eindhoven’s Ricardo Pepi. Wright, however, is sidelined with a groin injury. For the World Cup, Pochettino is expected to select three or four from the pool, which also includes Toronto FC’s Josh Sargent and Vancouver’s Brian White. (Neither was invited to this camp.)Agyemang acknowledged having to adapt to the unmerciful rigors of the English Championship.“At times you think you get a foul or something, and it’s just not a call,” the Connecticut native said. “It’s play on and play on. So obviously it’s very aggressive in that nature. But I’m always a guy that always likes to go [to] new places and just work hard and put my head down and keep focused on that. It’s been a great experience for me, but [there] definitely have been differences [with MLS], for sure.”Tim Ream, a veteran center back who played in the English Championship for part of his Fulham career, was Agyemang’s Charlotte teammate last year until Derby County came calling.“You just never know with the Championship, what kind of reaction you’re going to get from guys,” Ream said. “I don’t think he could last 90 minutes when we were in Charlotte and now I’m seeing he’s playing full 90-minute matches. That tells me he’s in a place mentally and physically that he feels good. And when you feel good, you just feel like you can do anything.”With Agyemang in U.S. camp, Ream joked, “I’m going to have to knock him down a peg or two just to make sure that he doesn’t get too far ahead of himself just because that’s the way I am with him.”
Sitting next to Ream, Agyemang smiled.“It’s impressive to see what he’s done in a short amount of time,” Ream added. “Hopefully, that continues. But he’s got a good head on his shoulders and he knows that if he continues to do the small things and focus on himself within the group, he’s going to be playing a long time.”Like all players, Agyemang is trying to balance the demands of club and country and maintain focus on whichever crest he is wearing at that moment.He said he is “taking care of the business here and then when I go back [to England], it’s the same thing. … I just want to continue doing that until the end of the season and potentially the World Cup, so just trying to not stress too much about anything and just enjoy as much as possible.”
World Cup 2026: U.S. host cities awarded $625m in security funding after delay
The funding is being administered via FEMA under the FIFA World Cup Grant Program Michael Regan – FIFA via Getty Images
The 11 U.S. cities set to host World Cup games this summer have been awarded $625million in security funding, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has informed members of Congress.The funding is being administered via FEMA under the FIFA World Cup Grant Program, which it says will be used to “hold operational exercises, conduct staff background checks, and strengthen cybersecurity defenses”.In a release first shared with members of Congress and seen by The Athletic, a statement from FEMA said the cities can also use awarded funds “to pay for increased police and emergency response at FIFA venues, hotels, and transportation hubs”.Representatives of the cities, who asked to remain anonymous to protect relationships, told The Athletic that the funds had began to land.What You Should Read NextWorld Cup 2026 stadium guides: Kansas City Stadium – home of the loudest sports crowd in historyWhat can fans expect from the Kansas City Chiefs’ stadium, usually known as Arrowhead, at the 2026 World Cup?
The funding was first pledged in President Donald Trump’s domestic policy bill last summer – which he called the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill – but the processing had been delayed during the partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in early 2026.Democrats were requesting more guardrails against ICE activity after federal agents shot and killed two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis. As FEMA falls under DHS, the World Cup was dragged into the fight.The now former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem accused Democrats of “shut[ting] down the government,” and wrote on X: “The longer DHS goes without funding, the less prepared our nation will be for threats at the FIFA World Cup and America 250.”Noem claimed that “FEMA was in the final stages of reviewing applications to ensure proper oversight” of the World Cup funding when the partial shutdown started on February 14.Yet Nellie Pou, a Democratic congresswoman representing New Jersey, subsequently claimed that the anticipated award date of the funds was “no later than January 30, 2026” — in fact prior to the shutdown.The original award of the funding represented a considerable success for U.S. Soccer, which supported the host cities in their lobbying, as well as for FIFA, whose president, Gianni Infantino, has developed a close relationship with President Trump. Yet it has taken longer than expected for the funds to be awarded.
In a memo to members of Congress, FEMA claimed that staff were impacted by three separate funding lapses, but claimed that the administering of the funds “is a testament to the Trump Administration’s commitment to getting resources into the hands of law enforcement.FEMA also awarded $250m to states hosting FIFA World Cup 2026 matches through the Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) Grant Program. They say this is to defend against the threat of drones.In a statement on Wednesday afternoon, Rep. Pou said: “Finally. Matches begin in less than 90 days. Congress passed this funding long in advance and officials needed this money months ago. So I’m glad to see DHS finally do the right thing and release these overdue funds.“I am hopeful that with this money released, host cities and law enforcement have what they need to make the 2026 World Cup a massive success. We cannot waste a once-in-a-generation chance to show the best of America.”In a subsequent news release, Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House Task Force on the FIFA World Cup 2026, said: “We are proud of the collaborative efforts between federal agencies, local partners and the White House Task Force in preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This grant program provides valuable funding to host cities, helping them strengthen security operations and protect their communities.”
World Cup fans from several nations facing $15k bonds to enter U.S. – and players may not be exempt
Senegal supporters are among those impacted by the bond payments Paul Ellis/AFP via Getty Images
Fans from several countries participating in this summer’s World Cup must deposit up to $15,000 in bond payments to be granted a tourist visa to enter the United States, while organizer FIFA is privately pressing the Trump administration to make exemptions for players.The difficulties have emerged as nationals from certain countries travelling to the U.S. on a business or tourist visa — known as B-1 and B-2 visas — have been subject to bond payments after policy changes by President Donald Trump’s administration.The “Visa Bond Pilot Program” relates to 50 countries, five of which have qualified for the World Cup. The policy has impacted nationals from Algeria, Cape Verde, Senegal and the Ivory Coast since January 21 this year. Last week, World Cup participants Tunisia were among the countries added to the list, which comes into effect from April 2. Cape Verde — an archipelago of only 525,000 people — has qualified for the men’s World Cup for the first time in its history.A U.S. State Department spokesperson told The Athletic that all applicants, regardless of age, are subject to the same legal standards and must demonstrate they qualify for and intend to comply with the terms of a visa. They added that those who depart the U.S. in a timely fashion before their visa expires will recover their money, while they also said the visa bond requirement is not retroactive and does not apply to holders of existing valid visas.However, there is no wording outlined in the Visa Bond Pilot Program that grants immunity to athletes competing in major sporting events such as the World Cup. Athletes who do not already have U.S. visas will largely apply for the B-1 or B-2 visas during the tournament, meaning they, too, could be asked to deposit bonds. The State Department said that all visa applications will be adjudicated on a case-by-case basis by officers.The policy states that there is “no procedure” for applicants to apply for a waiver of the bond, but consular officers can determine whether a waiver “would advance a significant national interest or humanitarian interest based on the applicant’s purpose of travel and employment.”When contacted by The Athletic this week, neither the State Department nor FIFA took the opportunity to rule out that players from the designated countries would be required to pay the bonds. FIFA declined to comment on all aspects of this report.
The situation is causing concern among the soccer federations of designated nations. Sources, who asked to remain anonymous to protect relationships, told The Athletic the matter was raised with FIFA at pre-World Cup preparation workshops that competing federations attended this month in Atlanta. Fewer than 80 days out from the World Cup, FIFA is attempting to convince the Trump administration to waive the bonds for official members of a competing federation’s delegation, which would likely include players, coaches and support staff, as well as federation executives and possibly key personnel from sponsors.ABehind the scenes, FIFA is working on contingencies, with the organization seeking to help the soccer teams of designated nations circumvent the bonds by supplying invitation letters for the official delegations of national federations competing at the World Cup. FIFA wants these letters to act as a waiver for the bonds. According to sources close to the matter, the current expectation is that, if successful, this will extend only to players, staff and federation executives, but possibly not to the immediate relatives of players, who may be subject to the bonds.When The Athletic asked the State Department about FIFA seeking to influence the U.S. government’s policies, a State Department spokesperson stressed that “rules, policies, and procedures for visa processing are set in Washington, D.C.,” before adding that the U.S. government “continues to engage robustly with FIFA in support of the largest and greatest FIFA World Cup in history.”While negotiations are ongoing over possible player exemptions for the visa bonds at the World Cup, it does not appear that any such privileges will be extended to fans.For supporters from the impacted countries, the bonds add a huge financial burden on any trip to watch their team in the U.S. this summer, compounding the highly expensive World Cup tickets and hotels this summer.FIFA president Gianni Infantino has repeatedly claimed this summer’s men’s World Cup in the U.S., Canada and Mexico will be the “most inclusive” in the competition’s history. Yet a national traveling from the impacted countries, who is deemed otherwise eligible for entry into the U.S., must now also have the means to post a bond of either $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000, which may preclude or deter many from traveling at all.Gianni Infantino (right) has repeatedly stressed the World Cup will be an “inclusive” eventAndrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty ImagesThe bond payments are per person, rather than per travelling party, meaning that a parent travelling with a child would have to make two separate bond payments. Sources familiar with the process indicate that the $5,000 payments will be broadly reserved for children entering the country, with payments of $10,000 or $15,000 for adults.A State Department spokesperson told The Athletic that America’s safety and border security “will always come first” and reiterated that nationals of designated countries would be required to post a visa bond of up to $15,000 before a visa can be issued. This would appear to be an issue for Algeria, Tunisia, and Cape Verde, with Senegal and the Ivory Coast designated for broader travel bans, which would limit travel in any case.The State Department further claimed that the program “has proven effective in deterring illegal immigration and the Trump Administration is expanding it to additional countries based on a range of immigration risk factors, including high overstay rates, screening and vetting deficiencies, concerns regarding acquisition of citizenship by investment without a residency requirement, and foreign policy considerations.”FIFA has also been asked by impacted nations to ensure that the State Department provides B-1 or B-2 visas that offer multiple entries into the U.S.This has become a challenge as the State Department has increasingly been providing single-entry business or tourist visas to nationals of designated countries, when equivalent visas previously offered multiple entries.Federations, players and fans need multiple-access visas to the U.S. because some teams in the tournament will play in more than one country during the World Cup. Ivory Coast, for example, have a group game in Toronto sandwiched between two games in Philadelphia, while Senegal’s final group-stage game is in Toronto, and they may need to return to the U.S. for knockout games. Tunisia’s first two games will be in Mexico before their final group game in Kansas City. Algeria and Cape Verde’s group games are all within the U.S.A State Department spokesperson said an applicant’s “individual circumstances” will be taken into account when a consular officer makes the final decision on whether to issue a single- or multiple-entry visa.
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