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Soccer

All articles tagged with #soccer

Messi Retires from Argentina in Emotional Buenos Aires Farewell
sports2 days ago

Messi Retires from Argentina in Emotional Buenos Aires Farewell

Lionel Messi officially retired from international soccer on October 7, 2026, playing his final match for Argentina in a 3-0 friendly victory over Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. The event marked the end of a 21-year career that included a 2022 World Cup title and two Copa America championships. While Messi will continue playing for Inter Miami through 2028, his departure from the national team has triggered a cultural moment of grief and celebration across Argentina, with fans and officials honoring his legacy as a unifying national icon.

Ronaldo exits Portugal camp after benching dispute with Jesus
soccer8 days ago

Ronaldo exits Portugal camp after benching dispute with Jesus

Cristiano Ronaldo has abruptly left the Portugal national team camp in Copenhagen, ending his participation in the current UEFA Nations League window. The 41-year-old striker departed after head coach Jorge Jesus confirmed he would not start him in the upcoming match against Denmark. Ronaldo had previously been benched in a 2-1 victory over Norway, a decision he reportedly viewed as a humiliation. Jesus insisted there was no rift, attributing the situation to tactical decisions, while Ronaldo promised to reveal the full reasons for his departure later. The Portuguese Football Federation faces a disciplinary decision regarding his unauthorized absence, with potential suspensions and fines under FPF rules.

Ireland's Martin Defends Gaza Stance as Squad Splits Over Israel Match
politics12 days ago

Ireland's Martin Defends Gaza Stance as Squad Splits Over Israel Match

Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin rejected claims that Dublin's pro-Palestinian stance constitutes antisemitism, calling Israel's military response in Gaza 'absolutely disproportionate.' This occurred as the Republic of Ireland soccer team faced a crisis: goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu withdrew from the squad to play Israel, while the remaining players voted to proceed with the UEFA Nations League fixtures. Martin argued Ireland's position is rooted in its own history of conflict resolution, while the FAI cited financial and regulatory risks for proceeding despite public boycott campaigns.

Ireland and Israel Soccer Matches Proceed on Neutral Ground Amidst Political Firestorm
sports16 days ago

Ireland and Israel Soccer Matches Proceed on Neutral Ground Amidst Political Firestorm

Despite widespread opposition, Ireland and Israel will play two Nations League matches in neutral venues in Hungary and Serbia. The games proceed after UEFA rejected Ireland's request to cancel, with the FAI citing financial penalties. Controversy intensified after manager Heimir Hallgrimsson stated the team is 'playing against genocide,' prompting a sharp rebuke from Israel's football authorities and support from Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin. Irish players plan to discuss the situation in a squad meeting, while public protests and a boycott call from over 160 sportspeople continue.

Ireland and Israel soccer doubleheader proceeds amid fierce protests and verbal clashes
sports17 days ago

Ireland and Israel soccer doubleheader proceeds amid fierce protests and verbal clashes

International soccer matches between Ireland and Israel are proceeding on neutral territory despite intense protests and inflammatory rhetoric. The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) rejected a request to suspend Israel, citing potential harm to Ireland's 2028 European Championship qualification. Ireland's coach Heimir Hallgrimsson stated players are 'playing against genocide,' while the Israel Football Association responded by calling the coach 'stupid' and 'hypocritical.' Over 160 Irish sportspeople signed an open letter urging the FAI to reconsider. The first match is scheduled for Sunday in Debrecen, Hungary, with no tickets available for Irish fans. A second match will follow on October 4 in Bačka Topola, Serbia. The FAI chose neutral venues due to 'operational challenges' and security concerns, as Israel has been barred from hosting international matches since October 2023 due to the war in Gaza. The ongoing conflict has killed over 73,821 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, with over 1,375 deaths since an October 2025 ceasefire.

Cavan Sullivan Signals a New USMNT Era
soccer21 days ago

Cavan Sullivan Signals a New USMNT Era

USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino announced a four-game roster that excludes Christian Pulisic as he recovers from injuries, highlighting 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan of Philadelphia Union as the future centerpiece. Sullivan, who signed a major Homegrown deal with Union and is linked to Manchester City, has already made waves in MLS with his early breakout numbers and eye-catching play. The roster also includes other young prospects like Zavier Gozo, Adri Mehmeti, Mathis Albert, and Justin Ellis, signaling a deliberate generational shift aimed at a brighter USMNT core for the 2030 World Cup era.

USMNT bets on youth and experience for Peru-Chile friendlies with Sullivan and Reyna
sports21 days ago

USMNT bets on youth and experience for Peru-Chile friendlies with Sullivan and Reyna

The USMNT, under Mauricio Pochettino, released a full roster for a 16-day international window that features 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan alongside Gio Reyna for friendlies against Peru and Chile, with stars like Pulisic, Balogun, and McKennie unavailable due to fitness. The squad blends youth and Europe-based veterans, includes Yunus Musah, and sets up four matches from Sept. 26 to Oct. 6 against Peru, Chile, Mexico, and Canada as the team starts a new four-year cycle.

On Holding bets Mbappé move to challenge Nike and Adidas in soccer
finance21 days ago

On Holding bets Mbappé move to challenge Nike and Adidas in soccer

On Holding’s Mbappé deal marks a bold push into soccer, positioning the premium brand to challenge Nike and Adidas as it expands beyond running; the contract size wasn’t disclosed, Thierry Henry is named director of football, and analysts see the move as a potential near-term stock catalyst despite On’s smaller scale and Nike’s dominant market position in sports.

Germany lands dual-national Noahkai Banks, a blow to the USMNT
sports21 days ago

Germany lands dual-national Noahkai Banks, a blow to the USMNT

Germany has added 19-year-old Noahkai Banks to its U-21 squad after he and fellow dual-national Louey Ben Farhat chose to represent Germany. Banks was born in Honolulu and has only played for US youth teams, and would need a one-time FIFA switch to join the senior USMNT. His decision is viewed as a setback for the US in their World Cup planning, as he was considered a potential senior-team option in the near term.

USMNT bets on youth as 13 uncapped players join veterans for fall friendlies
sports21 days ago

USMNT bets on youth as 13 uncapped players join veterans for fall friendlies

USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino unveiled a 28-man fall roster featuring 13 uncapped players—including 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan and other teens like Julian Hall—signaling a deliberate generational shift while balancing 13 World Cup veterans for four friendlies against Peru, Chile, Mexico and Canada. The move underscores an open-door policy aimed at building toward the 2030 World Cup and 2028 Olympics, with veterans such as Yunus Musah helping guide the transition.

Youth surge leads USMNT as Pochettino calls up 16-year-old Sullivan
sports22 days ago

Youth surge leads USMNT as Pochettino calls up 16-year-old Sullivan

USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino shifts toward a youth-forward roster for the September/October window, naming 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan as a potential senior debut while veterans like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Folarin Balogun miss out; the squad includes nine players with 30+ caps and signals a reset ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, with Sullivan coming off six goals and five assists for Philadelphia Union this season.

Six Smarter Ways to Watch Soccer (For Beginners and Vets Alike)
sports25 days ago

Six Smarter Ways to Watch Soccer (For Beginners and Vets Alike)

The Athletic’s Soccer Weekender offers six practical ways to enjoy football more—follow a player, seek space, look for triangles, study the details of plays, recognize that going backward can unlock forward moves, and remember there’s always a plan behind every tactic. It adds extra tips for newcomers (own app lineups, and even playing soccer video games) and shares highlights, scorelines, and upcoming fixtures from the Premier League, along with notes on viewing in the U.S.