Looking for something you missed? Catch up on recent posts here.
- JT Batson on the benefactor factor in USMNT head coachingby Mike WoitallaMauricio Pochettino‘s salary — both upon his initial signing in September 2024 and his contract extension this August — was subsidized by “philanthropic gifts.” U.S. Soccer stated when Pochettino re-signed, “This appointment and broader investment in the U.S. men’s national team program is being supported in significant part by a philanthropic leadership gift from Kenneth C. Griffin, Founder and CEO… Read more: JT Batson on the benefactor factor in USMNT head coaching
- It’s official: Pochettino leaves USMNT for Manchester Unitedby Mike WoitallaJust 102 days after signing a four-year contract extension as U.S. men’s national team head coach, Mauricio Pochettino is leaving to take charge of Manchester United. After coaching the USA against Haiti on Saturday and Tuesday in the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals, the USMNT’s first Latin American full-time head coach will end a tenure of two years and 10 weeks at the U.S. helm.
- Youth, intensity, belief: Man United gambles on Pochettinoby Andrew MarszalManchester United, which has cycled through 11 managers (including caretakers) and failed to win a single league title since Alex Ferguson’s 2013 retirement, is desperately in need of a leader who can bring identity, stability and belief to an expensive-but-fragmented squad, and their disillusioned fans. Pochettino’s appointment is not without risk.
- UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE: England reach Nations League quarters as Italy beat Zidane’s Franceby Agence France Presse
England secured its place in the Nations League quarterfinals with a 2-1 victory over Croatia on Thursday, while Zinedine Zidane suffered his first defeat as France coach with an away loss to Italy. Harry Kane marked his record-breaking 126th appearance for England by scoring the winning goal from the penalty spot at Wembley, taking his international tally to 92 goals.
- Hall of Fame: Altidore, Ertz and Rapinoe elected in first year of eligibilityby Paul Kennedy
The six members of the National Soccer Hall of Fame’s 2027 class are Jozy Altidore, David Beckham, Julie Johnston Ertz, Lothar Osiander, Megan Rapinoe and Tatu. They will be inducted at a private ceremony on April 16, 2027, at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.
- MLS: Messi finalist for third straight MVP awardby Rebecca Bryan
Lionel Messi is among the finalists for the 2026 Major League Soccer Most Valuable Player award, putting the Argentine superstar in line for an unprecedented third straight MVP honor. The Inter Miami captain was named MVP in 2024 and 2025, becoming only the second player to win the trophy twice after Preki, who won it in 1997 and 2003. The other finalists: The other MVP finalists are Hany Mukhtar of Nashville SC, Brazilians Evander (FC Cincinnati) and Guilherme (Houston Dynamo) and American Cavan Sullivan of Philadelphia Union, this season’s revelation at just 17 years old.
- Central America grapples with declineby Agence France Presse
Poverty affects roughly half of Central America’s population, but the malaise gripping its soccer runs deeper. With few exceptions, investment in infrastructure and youth development is woefully inadequate, leaving a once-competitive soccer region struggling to produce new generations of talent.
- What We’re Readingby Soccer AmericaWhat our editors have noted.
- Folarin Balogun and Sebastian Berhalter react to Pochettino departure talkby Mike Woitalla
British sports journalists are expected to appear at U.S. Soccer’s training center in Fayetteville, Georgia, on Friday, when U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino is scheduled to hold his first press conference since reports emerged that he is Manchester United’s […]
- Emily Fox helps Arsenal end Barcelona’s UEFA Champions League win streakby Mike Woitalla
Arsenal’s American defender Emily Fox blocked a goal-bound shot by Barcelona’s Caroline Graham Hansen in the 13th minute of a 1-1 tie in front of 26,171 at Camp Nou that ended defending champion Barca’s perfect run on Matchday 4 of the Women’s UEFA Champions League.
- Man United closing in on Pochettino after sacking manager Carrickby Agence France Presse
Pochettino is expected to leave his role with the USA following its two-leg Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal on Saturday and Tuesday in a move that will see United trigger a release clause worth some $10 million to secure the Argentine’s services.
- Arsenal holds Barca to tie Women’s Champions Leagueby Agence France Presse
Arsenal earned an impressive 1-1 draw at Women’s Champions League defending champion Barcelona on Thursday in a league phase clash between two of the competition’s heavyweights. Caroline Graham Hansen secured four-time champion Barca, which has reached […]
- USYNT: Jeremy Hall’s U-17 men’s roster (2010-born)by Soccer America
The U-17s, born in 2010 or later, are training in San Jose, Costa Rica, as part of preparations for the 2027 Concacaf World Cup qualifiers. They will face Canada on Nov. 14 and Costa Rica on Nov. 17. The previous U-17 age group, who had its trip to this year’s World Cup in Qatar canceled, comprised players born in 2009 or later.
- An affinity for England and Man Unitedby Mike Woitalla
Mauricio Pochettino spent nearly a decade of his coaching career on English Premier League sidelines alongside his assistant Jesús Pérez. Both expressed a desire to return while they’ve been coaching the USMNT. The Telegraph reported on an exchange during the 2026 World Cup in that revealed Pérez’s affinity for Manchester United.
- Manchester United ‘reach verbal agreement’ with Pochettino to replace Carrickby Agence France PresseSky Sports reported that Manchester United has “reached a verbal agreement in principle” with Mauricio Pochettino to become its new head coach.
- Americans Abroad: Lily Yohannes strikes again in UEFA Women’s Champions Leagueby Mike WoitallaLily Yohannes scored in a second straight Champions League game in OL Lyonnes’ 6-0 win at Juventus. Korbin Shrader came off the bench and scored the final goal for last season’s runner-up. Five Americans saw action in Danish club HB Køge’s 1-1 at Belgium’s OH Leuven.
- USYNT: Coach Gonzalo Segares’ U-20 men’s rosterby Mike Woitalla
The U.S. U-20s are in training camp at the U.S. Soccer National Training Center, where they host games against Japan (Nov. 12), Colombia (Nov. 14) and Paraguay (Nov. 17). Coach Gonzalo Segares in preparing the team […]
- USL Championship: 2026 All-League selectionsby Paul Kennedy
Detroit City FC led all selections with five players named across the two 2026 USL Championship All-League teams. Three teams featured two players on the first team: Detroit City FC, New Mexico United and Lexington SC. The youngest player was the Battery’s Joey Akpunonu, 24.
- USYNT: Coach Rob Valentino U.S. U-19 men’s rosterby Soccer America
Coach Rob Valentino is guiding 20 players in a Nov. 9-17 training camp in Antalya, Türkiye, where the Americans will face Jordan on Nov. 14 and Indonesia on Nov. 16. The camp is Valentino’s second with the […]
- USA withdraws from U-17 World Cup in Qatar over security fears: reportsby Agence France Presse
The U.S. State Department’s State Travel Advisory about Qatar. The United States has withdrawn from the upcoming Under-17 soccer World Cup in Qatar due to concerns about security in the Middle East. Players were informed of […]
- USYNT: Coach Ben Cross’ U.S. U-18 men rosterby Soccer America
Coach Ben Cross has named 20 players for a Nov. 9-18 training camp in Santarém, Portugal, where the U.S. U-18 men’s national team will face Norway on Nov. 15 and Portugal on Nov. 17. Twelve players come […]
- USYNT: Coach Vanessa Mann’s U.S. U-15 girls rosterby Soccer America
Coach Vanessa Mann has named 24 players for a U-15 girls training camp at the National Training Center. All 24 players were born in 2012 and are part of the age group that will compete for a berth […]
- U.S. youth national teams: Olympic preparations begin and U-20s take shapeby Brian Sciaretta
Update: Shortly after publishing, news broke that U.S. Soccer is pulling its team out of the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar because of safety concerns tied to the war with Iran.The U-17 World Cup, a […]
- The secrets driving unstoppable Spain’s dominanceby Agence France PresseSpain aims to extend its 43-game unbeaten run this week in the Nations League, with the playing philosophy that propelled them to World Cup glory this summer the product of years of work at every level of the game. Their approach combines a clearly defined playing style, early talent identification and a coaching structure designed to ensure players learn the… Read more: The secrets driving unstoppable Spain’s dominance
- Pochettino’s future looms over USMNT preparations for Haitiby Mike Woitalla
Manchester United’s widely reported pursuit of Mauricio Pochettino to replace its manager, Michael Carrick, came up during Tuesday’s video press conference with defender Antonee Robinson and attacker Cavan Sullivan. The USA’s preparations for its Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal series against Haiti, which is hosting the first leg in Miami on Saturday, have unfolded amid reports that Pochettino is open to returning to Premier League coaching and that his contract with U.S. Soccer includes a $10 million release clause.
- UEFA Women’s Champions League: Chelsea stifled by Sweden’s BK Häckenby Mike Woitalla
Chelsea’s Alyssa Thompson had three shots blocked — including a clearance off the goal line — and a fourth flew high in wide in a 0-0 tie with BK Häcken, which entered matchday 4 with two […]
- HONORS: Peter Vermes and Tom Durkin to receive 2027 Walt Chyzowych awardsby Mike WoitallaFormer U.S. national team player and longtime Sporting Kansas City head coach Peter Vermes and veteran coach and player development director Tom Durkin have been named recipients of the 2027 Walt Chyzowych Lifetime Achievement Awards. They will be honored on Jan. 23 at the United Soccer Coaches Convention in Kansas City, during a ceremony hosted by the Walt Chyzowych Fund at the Loews Kansas City Hotel.
- College soccer on TV: Nov. 11-15by Soccer America
The 2026 NCAA Division I regular season ends this week for men and women with conference tournament play.
- UEFA Women’s Champions League: Man City and Real Madrid post their first winsby Agence France Presse
On Matchday 4, Paris Saint-Germain suffered its first loss, 2-1 to Bayern Munich. Manchester City (4-1 at Inter Milan) and Real Madrid (3-0 vs. Paris FC) earned their first wins.
- Five MLS players on a roll: An Australian midfielder, two Canadians, and the Philly brothersby Ben Wright
Here are five players who finished the 2026 MLS regular season in stellar form — and will be worth watching when the playoffs kick off after the international break. Patrick Yazbek (Nashville SC) Nashville SC set […]
- Soccer America Archives: Randall’s Islandby Mike WoitallaGotham FC’s forced relocation of its NWSL semifinal from its home stadium in New Jersey to Icahn Stadium may be an an awkward inconvenience, but it also gives the club a place in Randall’s Island’s storied soccer history. The 5,000-seat Icahn Stadium opened in 2005 on the site of the 22,000-seat Downing Stadium, which hosted Pelé’s 1975 Cosmos debut, scores of international friendlies — including England’s 10-0 rout of the USA in 1964 — and Bill Cox’s International Soccer League. The league included West Ham United with future England World Cup winners Geoff Hurst and Bobby Moore.
- USA-Haiti sets up special matchup for young defender Neil Pierreby Mike Woitalla
Sons of immigrants have long been part of U.S. national team history, occasionally facing the countries their parents left behind. That will be the case for 19-year-old defender Neil Pierre when the USA faces Haiti in the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals. Born in Pennsylvania to Haitian parents who immigrated to the United States in their late teens, Pierre spoke about his family’s dual-national soccer circumstances, which include his older brother, Nelson, having represented Haiti at the U-20 level.
- NWSL: Gotham FC to host semifinal in 5,000-seat stadiumby Soccer America
Defending NWSL champion Gotham FC will host Sunday’s semifinal against the Kansas City Current at Icahn Stadium, a 5,000-seat facility on New York City’s Randall’s Island, because of the torn up grass in its home stadium in Harrison, New Jersey. The Washington Spirit will be able to host the Utah Royals at its Audi Field — instead of moving to the NFL’s Washington Commanders’ Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland — thanks to the rescheduling of an NCAA Division III football game.
- MLS: Three coaches out since Decision Dayby Mike Woitalla
Sporting Kansas City’s Raphaël Wicky and Toronto FC’s Robin Fraser have joined NYCFC’s Pascal Jansen among the head coaches dismissed since the MLS regular season ended. All three missed the playoffs. Eight other MLS teams parted […]
- College club soccer evolves into a new eraby Dan WoogAnother college soccer season is reaching its biggest moment. Can Brigham Young and Michigan State repeat as men’s and women’s national champions, respectively? Wait! What about the Washington men? And Florida State women? Sure, they’ve got NCAA Division I rings. But the Utah and Michigan schools are national champs, too. They won the 2025 college club soccer titles. Those are… Read more: College club soccer evolves into a new era
- Infantino reelection a ‘foregone conclusion,’ says Asian confederation officialby Daniel Hicks
With UEFA and Concacaf, and initially the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), leading the opposition, it seemed Gianni Infantino would have a fight on his hands to secure reelection for a fourth and final term as FIFA president. But the AFC performed a U-turn and endorsed the 56-year-old.
- MLS Weekend: Decision Day Winners & Losersby Mike Woitalla
On the final matchday of the regular season, Portland, Seattle and Real Salt Lake completed Western Conference’s postseason field. Lionel Messi, with 26 goals, became the first back-to-back Golden Boot winner and finished one assist behind assist leader Pep Biel, who set up 18 goals for Charlotte.
- NCAA members block proposal for new men’s soccer modelby Paul Kennedy
The proposal to spread the NCAA Division I men’s college season over two semesters was killed after it was rejected by a two-thirds majority of NCAA’s Division I schools.
- USYNT: U.S. U-17 Men’s World Cup 2026 rosterby Soccer AmericaNine players who helped the USA qualify for the 2026 U-17 World Cup are among the 21 selected by head coach Alex Aldaz for the tournament in Qatar, Nov. 19-Dec. 13. The squad includes 14 players from 10 MLS clubs and seven based in Europe. Eighteen players were born in 2009 and three in 2010. Malik Jakupovic, a Philadelphia Union academy forward,… Read more: USYNT: U.S. U-17 Men’s World Cup 2026 roster
- USMNT roster changes: Jack McGlynn and Mark McKenzie replace injured Gio Reyna and George Campbellby Mike Woitalla
Coach Mauricio Pochettino had to make two changes to his USMNT roster for its Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal series against Haiti following injuries to playmaker Gio Reyna and defender George Campbell. Replacing them are Jack McGlynn […]
- MLS NEXT Pro: Chattanooga FC makes historyby Paul Kennedy
Chattanooga FC made history by becoming the first independent team to win MLS NEXT Pro with a 1-0 win over Los Angeles FC 2 in the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro Cup. Grenada international Damien Barker John, a product of Queens (Queensboro FC) via the University of Louisville, had the winner in the 31st minute on an assist from Antone Sorenson. Goalkeeper Eldin Jakupović, the 42-year-old Swiss international, made six saves for CFC.
- MLS playoff schedule 2026by Soccer America
MLS action resumes after the international window with wild-card games on Thursday, Nov. 19.
- USL: Louisville City and Charleston win playoff classicsby Paul Kennedy
Louisville City came back from 2-0 down with 21 minutes to play to defeat Miami FC 3-2 in the USL Championship playoffs. The Charleston Battery did one better, rallying from 3-0 down after 70 minutes to tie Hartford 3-3 and then win 5-4 in a shootout.
- NWSL: Semifinal pairings set up venue crisisby Soccer America
The semifinal pairings are set in the NWSL playoffs: defending champion Gotham FC vs. the Kansas City Current and Washington Spirit against Utah Royals. Both teams with home-field advantage had stadium conflicts they’ve been scrambling to resolve.
- Americans Abroad: Goals for Pulisic, McKenzie and Reynaby Paul Kennedy
Christian Pulisic scored in his third straight Serie A start for AC Milan in its 2-1 win at Genoa. Mark McKenzie and Gio Reyna scored in the 3-1 win over McKenzie’s Toulouse over Reyna’s Strasbourg in Ligue 1. Reyna left the match shortly after scoring with a thigh injury. Joe Scally, a free agent at the end of the season, scored his career-high fourth goal of the season for Borussia Moenchengladbach in a 3-1 loss at Hamburg.
- Carrick expects to remain in charge of Man Utdby Kieran Canning
Michael Carrick said he expects to “move forward and keep working” as Manchester United manager despite dropping into the Premier League relegation zone. United twice came from two goals down to salvage a remarkable 4-4 draw against Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday.
- Pochettino’s latest USMNT picks: A smaller core and a growing youth movementby Brian Sciaretta
The U.S. men’s national team will gather outside Atlanta this week to prepare for its Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal against Haiti. The first leg is Nov. 14 at Nu Stadium in Miami, followed by the Nov. […]
- Roster: Coach Cherundolo’s first U-23 men’s national team campby Mike Woitalla
Steve Cherundolo has named 23 players for his first camp as head coach of the U.S. U-23 men’s national team, which will train Nov. 9-17 in San Pedro del Pinatar, Spain, as it begins preparations for the […]
- Americans Abroad (Europa League): Adams scores, Tessmann assists, Pulisic disappointsby Mike Woitalla
Defensive midfielder Tyler Adams scored his first goal in a year as Bournemouth remained perfect in the Europa League with a 3-1 win at Sparta Prague. Tanner Tessmann assisted in Lyon’s 1-1 tie at Real Sociedad. Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah each had 45-minute shifts in AC Milan’s third loss, 2-0 at home against Ferencvaros. Tim Weah captained Marseille to a 1-0 win at Bayer Leverkusen, whose Malik Tillman came on late.
- Bournemouth stays perfect in Europa League as Milan lose againby Agence France Presse
Bournemouth extended its perfect Europa League record on Thursday as it came from behind to win 3-1 at 10-man Sparta Prague, while Ruben Amorim’s AC Milan suffered a third defeat in four matches. Gambian Ebrima Singhateh […]
- NWSL: Maddie DiMaria signs with Angel City FCby Paul Kennedy
The U.S. under-17 national team star forward signed through 2030. She signed with ACFC prior to the 2026 U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, where she set a women’s record for goals in a FIFA tournament with 12 goals in five games.
- Cristiano Ronaldo announces international retirement at age of 41by Agence France Presse
Cristiano Ronaldo played 234 times for Portugal and scored 146 goals — a men’s world record. But the forward’s powers have been waning in recent years and he fell out with national coach Jorge Jesus last month after he refused to play him in a Nations League match.
- U.S. youth prospects in Europe and MLS: Great goals, big saves, and some letdownsby Brian SciarettaIt was another busy week for young Americans eligible for U.S. youth national teams. In Europe, top Olympic-eligible players experienced highs and lows. In MLS, there were encouraging performances but also signs that some standouts may be cooling off as 2026 draws to a close. We begin in Europe. USYNT players in Europe There was a superb goal in the… Read more: U.S. youth prospects in Europe and MLS: Great goals, big saves, and some letdowns
- The great soccer media parlor game: Who gets to broadcast the next FIFA Men’s World Cup?by John ShraderPopular sentiment among those of us speculating on which way the FIFA media rights wind is blowing is that Netflix is the favorite to grab the U.S. rights to the 2030 Men’s World Cup. Netflix reportedly has plenty of cash to throw into FIFA’s coffers. Netflix is the rights holder for the 2027 and 2031 Women’s World Cups, the latter… Read more: The great soccer media parlor game: Who gets to broadcast the next FIFA Men’s World Cup?
- Mauricio Pochettino on blending youth and experience, and Balogun’s returnby Mike Woitalla
Mauricio Pochettino said he’s looking forward to seeing how the returning veterans combine with the teenagers he introduced to the team during the fall international window. He also explained his center forward call-ups — Folarin Balogun’s return and Ricardo Pepi’s omission.
- USMNT Roster: Pochettino welcomes back Christian Pulisicby Mike Woitalla
Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun and Weston McKennie return to the USMNT for the first time since the 2026 World Cup as a part of Coach Mauricio Pochettino’s 25-man roster for the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal series against Haiti.
The squad includes two uncapped players, Reed Baker-Whiting and Santiago Castañeda, and eight players who debuted during the four-game fall camp.
- Under-17 Women’s World Cup: Nigeria makes historyby Soccer America
North Korea, which ousted the USA, 3-0, in the quarterfinals, fell in a shootout to Japan after a 1-1 tie in the semifinals. In Saturday’s U-17 Women’s World Cup final, Japan, will face Nigeria, which beat Brazil, 3-1. Nigeria is the first African team to reach the the final since the competition’s launch in 2008.
- Americans Abroad (England): Middlesbrough falls at Wrexhamby Mike Woitalla
A trio of U.S. players — Aidan Morris, Sebastian Berhalter, Max Arfsten — featured in Middlesbrough’s second loss of season, 2-0 at Wrexham, that narrowed its lead at the top of the standings to one point ahead of second-place Wolves.
- Americans Abroad (UCL): Sergino Dest fails to finish for PSV in loss to Club Bruggeby Mike Woitalla
Sergino Dest started for PSV in a 2-1 loss to Club Brugge, whose goalkeeper Yann Sommer saved shots by Dest in the 7th, 35th and 40th minute. Ricardo Pepi came off the bench after missing the […]
- Como hits nine in stunning Champions League win at Lensby Andy Scott
Italian outfit Como equalled the record for the biggest winning margin in the modern Champions League with a stunning 9-1 victory away to Lens in France on Wednesday.
- Goalkeeper Owono says ‘hardest days of my life’ after De Miguel deathby Rik Sharma
Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel died as a result of injuries he suffered when he was smashed into by FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono, the Equatorial Guinea international who had raced into midfield to clear an aerial ball. “I know there will be many issues to address, and I will face whatever comes with the utmost respect,” Owono said. “But right now, honestly, I cannot think about anything other than Jesus and the pain we are going through. Rest in peace, Jesus.”
- American Abroads (England): Jack McGlynn scores againby Mike Woitalla
Four days after scoring and assisting in a 2-0 win over Preston North End, Jack McGlynn hit the net again for Stoke City in a 2-1 win win over Blackburn with tricky free kick. The victory moved […]
- Americans Abroad (UCL): Alex Freeman struggles; Samuel Adeniran scoresby Mike Woitalla
Texan striker Samuel Adeniran, who played in the USL and MLS before joining Austria’s LASK Linz in 2025, scored his first UEFA Champions League goal in a 4-0 win over Slovan Bratislava. Alex Freeman went the full 90 for Villarreal in a 6-0 home loss to defending champion Paris Saint-Germain.
- USYNT: U.S. U-16 girls sweep Englandby Mike Woitalla
FC Dallas’ Alaia Harrington and Aubrey Taylor of San Diego Surf scored in U.S. U-16 girls’ 2-1 comeback win over England. Taylor also scored in the USA’s 2-0 win in its first game against England. The […]
- Man United eases troubles with sensational Roma comeback, PSG rampant in Champions Leagueby Agence France Presse
Manchester United fought back from two goals down to beat Roma 3-2 in the Champions League on Tuesday to hand beleaguered coach Michael Carrick a reprieve, while defending Paris Saint-Germain continued its perfect start in the […]
- Five MLS Players on a Roll: Playmakers from Argentina, Germany, France and a high-scoring Americanby Ben Wright
Here are five standout players ahead of the MLS’s final weekend of regular-season play. Marco Reus, who had three assists against Austin, prepares for his free kick. (Photo: LA Galaxy) Marco Reus (LA Galaxy) The LA […]
- Spanish striker Jesus De Miguel dies after collision with keeperby Agence France Presse
Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel died on Tuesday as a result of injuries he suffered in a sickening collision with FC Andorra’s goalkeeper in a Spanish second division match. “Broken with pain, with a lump in […]
- Chinese state TV declines to air Real Madrid game following Mbappé controversyby Agence France Presse
China is a huge market for European soccer but its state broadcaster did not broadcast a Real Madrid La Liga game on Sunday because star forward Kylian Mbappe referred to former leader Mao Zedong as “dictator” in a viral video. It is taboo in China to crack jokes about Mao, who died in 1976 and whose drastic policies are blamed by historians for mass starvation and millions of deaths.
- Americans Abroad (UCL): Big test on Tuesday for Alex Freemanby Soccer America
The USA’s 22-year-old outside back Alex Freeman’s fourth UEFA Champions League game comes on Tuesday when his Villarreal faces two-time defending champion Paris Saint-Germain.
- Can PSG win a third straight Champions League without injured Kvaratskhelia?by Agence France Presse
As PSG faces Villarreal on Tuesday, the French club’s quest to win a third consecutive Champions League title is under threat as injuries to key players raise doubts about the strength of their squad for another tilt at European glory. PSG’s thrilling 4-2 win two weeks ago against Barcelona was overshadowed by the sight of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia having to be helped off injured in the second half. Also injured: Ousmane Dembele, Marquinhos and Nuno.
- U.S. Open Cup: Third-round qualifying resultsby Soccer America
Former champions New York Greek American SC and New York Pancyprian Freedoms fell in the third round of qualifying for the 2027 U.S. Open Cup. he UPSL leads all leagues with 16 among the 32 survivors for the final round of qualifying, which will take place on Nov. 21-22
- U.S. under-15 girls win 4 Nations Tournament in Mexicoby Mike Woitalla
Fifi Garcia of the So Cal Blues scored a hat trick to lead the U.S. U-15s to a 3-2 win over Mexico’s U-16s in the final of the 4 Nations Tournament in Mexico City. Garcia also scored in the Vanessa Mann-coached USA’s 10-0 win over Paraguay and struck twice in its 4-0 win over Uruguay.
- University presidents voting on men’s college soccer reform: Know the facts before you vote.by Dan WoogAfter years of planning and advocacy, NCAA Division I men’s soccer coaches thought they’d achieved an important goal: splitting their compressed fall season into two. The championship tournament would move to the spring. The number of matches would remain the same. Schools and conferences could adapt the schedule to their own needs. The August preseason would begin later. It was,… Read more: University presidents voting on men’s college soccer reform: Know the facts before you vote.
- Angel City flips the scriptby David Hirshey and Roger DirectorTo understand the magnitude of Angel City being in the playoffs, you needed to have been standing on the train platform adjacent to BMO Stadium a week ago after their home victory over Bay FC. Instead of the usual forlorn bunch of fans muttering under their breath about the latest Angel City face plant, there was a carnival of communal… Read more: Angel City flips the script
- MLS Weekend: Three more clinch playoff berthsby Mike Woitalla
After the penultimate day of the regular season, all Eastern Conference playoff spots have been booked. Clinching postseason berths this weekend: Cincinnati, Columbus and Orlando. Nashville SC ended Red Bull New York’s hopes with a 3-2 comeback win in which NSC tied the MLS record for most regular-season points. Three spots remain up for grabs in the Western Conference.
- NWSL: Gotham FC claims Shield, Reign takes final playoff spotby Paul Kennedy
Gotham FC captured its first NWSL Shield with a 2-0 win over the Utah Royals finishing the regular season with an 18-5-7 record and 61 points three more than San Diego. The Seattle Reign secured the eighth and final playoff berth with a 1-0 victory over the Orlando Pride.
- USL: Miami FC ousts Championship top seed Rowdiesby Soccer America
The top seed Tampa Bay Rowdies fell 5-4 in a shootout against Miami FC in the Eastern Conference quarterfinals. The star was Curaçao World Cup keeper Eloy Room, who saved a penalty late in overtime and two attempts in the shootout to lead No. 8 seed Miami FC to its first playoff win in seven seasons. In the USL League One quarterfinals, top seed Charlotte Independence, expansion AC Boise,
the Chattanooga Red Wolves and Forward Madison advanced. - MLS NEXT PRO: Chattanooga FC and LAFC2 reach finalby Paul Kennedy
Chattanooga FC came back from two goals down after 17 minutes to beat Columbus Crew 2 3-2 and win the Eastern Conference to advance to the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro, where it host Western Conference Champion LAFC2 on Sunday at Finley Stadium.
- Mbappe strikes after China controversy as Real Madrid beat Santanderby Rik Sharma
Kylian Mbappe moved on from a tumultuous week by scoring a penalty to help Real Madrid win 3-0 at Racing Santander on Sunday. The French forward narrowly lost out on the Ballon d’Or to Bayern Munich’s […]
- Under-17 Women’s World Cup: North Korea ousts USAby Paul Kennedy
North Korea showed why it is the two-time defending Under-17 Women’s World Cup with a 3-0 over the USA in the quarterfinals at the 2026 tournament in Morocco. The Koreans finished with a 33-5 edge in shots. Avellina Saunders was excellent in goal for the USA with nine saves, including a stop on Yu Jong Hyang’s penalty kick in the 20th minute.
- Americans Abroad: Pulisic scores in Derby della Madonninaby Paul Kennedy
Goals from Pulisic and Folarin Balogun, a golazo for Cole Campbell but also goals and assists for Sebastian Berhalter, Jack McGlynn and Ricardo Pepi.
- Kane laments Dortmund draw after ‘incredible high’ of Ballon d’Orby Daniel Wighton
Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane criticised his own performance in Saturday’s 2-2 home draw with Borussia Dortmund, just days after the “incredible high” of winning the Ballon d’Or. The draw leaves Bayern and Dortmund deadlocked on […]
- NWSL Decision Day drama this Sunday. Here’s what’s at stake.by Jenna Pel
The 2026 NWSL regular season is set for a dramatic finale this Sunday. Decision Day will determine the winners of the NWSL Shield, the final playoff spot, and two remaining quarterfinal home berths. All eight games […]
- Under-17 Women’s World Cup: USA beats Spain to reach quarterfinalsby Paul Kennedy
he USA beat powerhouse Spain 2-1 to advance to the quarterfinals at the U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco. Forwards Deus Stanislaus and Maddie DiMaria scored at the end of the first half for the USA, which will face North Korea in Sunday’s quarterfinals. DiMaria set a record with her 12th goal of the tournament, the most ever in a FIFA women’s competition.
- UEFA Women’s Champions League: Barcelona overwhelms American-powered HB Køgeby Channing MalkinKristian Mørch, coach of American-owned Danish club HB Køge, said he found “a little light in the darkness” after his team fell, 8-0, to defending champion Barcelona in front of 6,000 sellout crowd at Capelli Sport Stadion. Five American players saw action for HB Køge. “We faced a fantastic soccer team that played fantastic soccer,” Mørch said. “We had a… Read more: UEFA Women’s Champions League: Barcelona overwhelms American-powered HB Køge
- Major League Soccer: Spring Season to kick off Feb. 19by Soccer America
Major League Soccer announced the schedule for the 2027 MLS Sprint Season, the shortened season ahead of MLS’s calendar switch to take effect next summer. The 2027 MLS Sprint Season will kick off the weekend of Feb. 19-21 and the regular season will end May 8 with the playoffs on Decision Day. The top eight teams in each of the two conferences will qualify for the playoffs. The single-elimination tournament will end with MLS Cup on Memorial Day weekend.
- USYNT: U-16 girls beat Englandby Mike Woitalla
The San Diego Surf’s Aubrey Taylor and SC del Sol’s Harper St. James scored for the USA in its 2-0 win over England in an under-16 girls friendly. The game in Riverside, Missouri, was the first […]
- MLS NEXT Pro: Atlanta’s 20-year-old Arif Kovac is 2026 MVPby Soccer America
This season’s Golden Boot winner with 20 goals, Atlanta United 2’s 20-year-old Arif Kovac is also MLS NEXT Pro’s 2026 MVP. The St. Louis native, who also had three assists, signed a pro contract with Atlanta United 2 ahead of the 2025 season.
- Who owns soccer?by Ian Plenderleith📖 Who Owns Football?: The Changing Face of Club Ownership By Nick Miller (Bloomsbury) This book cites the old joke that asks the best way to become a millionaire. Answer: become a billionaire and then buy a soccer club. It still rings true, but since that gag was current, the game’s ownership has changed in numerous radical ways. Nick Miller… Read more: Who owns soccer?
- MLS Midweek: Philly and Charlotte join the playoff fieldby Mike Woitalla
Twelve of the 18 MLS Cup playoff berths have been claimed after the Philadelphia Union and Charlotte FC clinched on Wednesday night. D.C. United, Atlanta United, San Diego and Austin were eliminated from contention, joining Montreal and Kansas City. With two matchdays remaining, six teams in each conference are competing for three available playoff berths. Each conference sends nine teams to the postseason.
- German Cup: Two more Americans advance to round of 16by Mike Woitalla
Malik Tillman started in Bayer Leverkusen’s 4-2 win over FC Nürnberg but was replaced at halftime by Ibrahim Maza, the 20-year-old playmaker who’s been starting ahead of Tillman in Bundesliga games.
- Americans Abroad (England): Tyler Adams and Chris Richards advance to EFL Cup quarterfinalsby Mike Woitalla
Bournemouth’s 3-1 win over Aston Villa, in which Tyler Adams assisted, sends the Cherries to quarterfinal date with Liverpool. Chris Richards helped Crystal Palace beat Fulham and Antonee Robinson, 1-0.
- Americans Abroad (Italy): A day of losses for Pulisic and Co.by Mike Woitalla
Christian Pulisic was a second-half sub for AC Milan, which suffered its first Serie A loss of the season. Falling, 4-2, at home to Bologna dropped AC Milan to fifth-place, a spot below the UEFA Champions League qualifying zone. Weston McKennie’s Juventus dropped to eighth-place with a 2-0 loss at Genoa.
- UEFA Women’s Champions League: Yohannes hits golazo for OL Lyonnesby Paul Kennedy
Lily Yohannes scored on a lob from 35 yards — her first goal of the 2026-27 season — for OL Lyonnes in its 6-0 win over Inter Milan in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. She has played six games of Lyon’s nine matches in the Première Ligue, where it is 6-0 with a 36-0 goal difference, and the Champions League, where it opened with an 8-0 win over Servette and 0-0 tie with Chelsea.
- Steve Cherundolo maps the U.S. men’s path to a medal at the 2028 Olympicsby Brian Sciaretta
Steve Cherundolo was set to start for the Clive Charles-coached U.S. 2000 Olympic team after playing every minute of its successful qualifying campaign. But Cherundolo missed the Olympic tournament because of a knee injury suffered weeks […]
- Ballon d’Or: Celebrating American women’s soccerby Paul KennedyI got an email yesterday from a college coach that reminded me just how special American women’s soccer is.
- Americans Abroad (German Cup): Joe Scally’s hot streak continuesby Mike Woitalla
Joe Scally set up Robin Hack’s sitter for Borussia Mönchengladbach’s first goal in a 2-0 German Cup win over Karlsruhe on Tuesday. Last Friday, the 23-year-old outside back scored his team-leading third Bundesliga goal, and assisted, […]
- Mbappe apologizes for Mao Zedong comment after Chinese sponsors drop himby Agence France Presse
Kylian Mbappe apologized on Tuesday after the Real Madrid star was dropped by major Chinese brands for apparently joking about Mao Zedong in a video that has gone viral. The dispute deepened when, despite LaLiga also apologizing, state-owned China Media Group said Chinese state television was suspending broadcasts of matches from the Spanish league. The offending video shows Mbappe saying that the funniest internet meme he had seen involving him was of his face photo-shopped onto that of “some guy — I think he’s a Chinese dictator.”
- Arsenal stunned by fourth-tier Fleetwood in League Cupby Steven Griffiths
The Gunners suffered one of the most humiliating defeats in their history as the Premier League champions were stunned by fourth-tier minnows Fleetwood in a League Cup shootout.
- Five MLS players on a roll: Goal producers from France, Croatia, Spain, Ghana — and an American goalkeeperby Ben Wright
Joseph Paintsil scores for the LA Galaxy in its 2-2 tie with LAFC. (Photo: LA Galaxy) The 2026 MLS season keeps barreling on, with another weekend of games in the books. Here at Soccer America, we’re […]

































































































