All articles tagged with #international football
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente says the current golden era must stay hungry after a historic World Cup win, with the next challenge the September clash against England as he motivates a young core to continue adding trophies and cement a place among football’s great national teams.
Spain extended their 37-match unbeaten run (no defeats in normal or extra time), tying the best stretch by a European side and signaling a potential World Cup final showdown. The streak began with a 1-0 loss to Colombia in March 2024 and has featured heavy rotation—62 players used—with a core including Marc Cucurella, Unai Simón, Aymeric Laporte, Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal. A 2-0 win over France kept them on track, though they were briefly dealt a setback by Portugal on penalties in the 2025 Nations League final. The run underscores Spain’s two-decade era of dominance, compares to Brazil and Argentina’s long unbeaten runs, and sets the stage for a historically significant World Cup campaign under Luis de la Fuente.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said Messi will start on the bench but is likely to come on in the second half, as he explains a rotation policy to give other squad members minutes while keeping the team’s style.
Netherlands name a fit Frenkie de Jong to start, with Memphis Depay benched and Quinten Timber out with concussion, while Sweden’s attack is led by Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres and Yasin Ayari starts in midfield. Sweden sit top with 3 points after beating Tunisia; the Netherlands and Japan have 1 each, Tunisia 0, making this group-stage clash pivotal. Kick-off is 6pm UK/1pm ET as live updates cover injury news, lineups and pre-match thoughts from Koeman and Potter.
Alexi Lalas releases his 2026 World Cup power rankings, listing the 10 teams from the Netherlands (10) up to France (1). The United States cracks the top 10 in ninth after a recent win, with entries highlighting a key player and group opponents for each team. Notable placements include Spain at 2, Argentina at 3, England at 4, and Brazil at 6, reflecting form and storylines as the tournament approaches.
The Minnesota Vikings narrowly defeated the Cleveland Browns 21-17 in the opening game of the 2025 NFL London series, highlighted by a late touchdown from Jordan Addison. The game featured historic moments, including Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel's debut as the first to start an NFL game internationally, and was played in front of a lively crowd at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The NFL continues its London series with upcoming matches between the Broncos and Jets, and the Rams and Jaguars.
The article highlights the cultural and historical significance of Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland, as a symbol of Irish identity and sports, and discusses the NFL's efforts to expand its international presence by hosting games there, including the upcoming Steelers vs. Vikings match, blending Irish tradition with American football's global growth.
FIFA has confirmed that teams participating in the 2025 Club World Cup must arrive in the U.S. three to five days before their first match, leaving players with no rest between international qualifiers and the tournament. The 32-team event, starting June 15, has sparked concerns over player workload, with top coaches and players voicing their discontent. FIFA's regulations also address transfer issues, allowing special windows and mid-tournament squad changes. The tournament will conclude on July 13, with prize money and draw details yet to be announced.
Megan Rapinoe, Olympic champion and two-time World Cup winner, bid farewell to international football after the US women's national team defeated South Africa 2-0 in a friendly match. The 38-year-old striker played a crucial role in both goals and received a heartfelt farewell from the crowd. With 203 caps and 63 goals for her national team, Rapinoe's activism and off-field personality have made her a household name. She is set to play her last National Women's Soccer League regular-season game on October 6th.
Folarin Balogun, the 21-year-old striker who outscored Lionel Messi last season in Ligue 1, is set to make his debut for the United States men's national team (USMNT) against Mexico. Balogun, who represented both England and the US at youth international level, has refined his game over the past two seasons and is known for his movement and physicality. Despite his success at club level, Balogun will still have to adapt to international football and life with the USMNT, but his recent experiences should stand him in good stead.
Folarin Balogun, the 21-year-old Arsenal striker, has chosen to play for the US men's national team (USMNT) over England and Nigeria. The USMNT had been pursuing Balogun for over two years, and his representatives had made it clear they wanted any decision to stay quiet until June 3. However, a leak to the press turned the timing for the planned announcement on its head. Balogun's decision to play for the USMNT was officially announced on May 16, and he is expected to add immediate value to the team.
FIFA has approved Folarin Balogun's switch from England to the United States, allowing the 21-year-old forward to represent either country as he was born in Brooklyn, New York but moved to London when he was two years old. Balogun, who played for the U.S. at under-18 level before switching his allegiance to England, is also eligible to represent Nigeria. He has spent the 2022-23 campaign on loan at Reims from Arsenal, scoring 19 times in 34 league appearances.
Cristiano Ronaldo has become the most capped men's player in international football with 197 appearances for Portugal. He celebrated his record-breaking night with a brace in Portugal's 4-0 win against Liechtenstein in their Euro 2024 qualifying match. Ronaldo holds the men's world record for most international goals with 120. The earliest Ronaldo could make his 200th appearance would be in June, although to do so then he must play a part in Portugal's second Euro 2024 qualifier against Luxembourg this Sunday.
England Under-21 head coach Lee Carsley hopes Folarin Balogun will continue to represent the Young Lions but insisted he will not “twist his arm”. Balogun, who represented the United States at under-18 level before switching his allegiance to England, can represent either country as he was born in Brooklyn, New York but moved to London when he was just two years old. He is also eligible to represent Nigeria.