USWNT Faces Japan in San Jose: Starting XI Preview
Preview of the USWNT’s friendly against Japan in San Jose, detailing the expected starting lineup and key lineup notes for Saturday’s match.
Tag
Soccer
All articles tagged with #soccer
Messi to Headline Argentina’s Exhibition at Auburn’s Jordan-Hare Stadium
Argentina, with Lionel Messi potentially in tow, will play Iceland in an international exhibition at Auburn’s Jordan-Hare Stadium on June 9, two days before the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off in the U.S.; the team also tunes up against Honduras on June 6 in Texas. The event could be one of the stadium’s most high-profile international spectacles, with Auburn eyeing up to $2 million in revenue sharing and ticket prices ranging roughly from $45 to over $300.
World Cup Ticket Shuffle Shortchanges Premium Buyers
Fans who bought Category 1 World Cup tickets discovered their seats were reclassified into lower-tier categories, with some premium sections reserved for even pricier hospitality packages. The Athletic reports a new Front Category 1/2 tier that reopens higher-priced seats in rows that were originally listed under Category 1, leaving buyers feeling misled and financially squeezed as prices for some seats surged (e.g., $900 second-row corners, $3,360 front-category seats).
Neymar Eyes MLS Move as FC Cincinnati Starts Early Talks
FC Cincinnati has opened preliminary discussions with Neymar’s camp about a potential move to MLS. The talks are in the very early stages as Cincinnati gauges Neymar’s interest, requirements and whether a deal fits the club’s plans. Neymar remains under contract with Santos through 2026, and Cincinnati notes its growing appeal to global stars, though the club currently has no open Designated Player slot, with Kévin Denkey, Miles Robinson and Evander occupying the DP spots for the year, complicating a potential signing unless a slot is freed or a deal is made.
Argentina to Face Iceland in Historic Auburn Exhibition at Jordan-Hare
World Cup champions Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, will play Iceland on June 9 at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn (7:30 p.m. CT) as part of Road to 26 before this summer’s World Cup, marking the venue’s first international match; tickets start at $45 with exclusive pre-sale at RoadTo26.com.
Sounders stumble to 2-0 defeat in Mexico, eye comeback in Seattle
Seattle Sounders fell 2-0 to Tigres UANL in Mexico in the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals, failing to convert key chances and suffering a deflected corner that produced an own-goal; with eight straight away games behind them, Seattle must mount a comeback in the April 15 return at Lumen Field, aided by lineup tweaks and a rare start for 19-year-old Snyder Brunell.
Atletico take 2-0 lead at Barca after early red, in Champions League quarterfinal first leg
Atletico Madrid surged to a 2-0 lead over Barcelona in the Champions League quarterfinal first leg at Camp Nou, with Julián Álvarez scoring just before halftime and Ruggeri sealing the win in the 70th minute, after Pau Cubarsí was sent off for DOGSO in the 44th minute to leave Barça with 10 men.
Reality check: Belgium defeat pushes USMNT to sharpen World Cup edge
A 5-2 defeat to Belgium provides a blunt reality check for the USMNT, emphasizing that sustained, maximum intensity against world-class teams is essential if they want to advance at the World Cup. Coach Mauricio Pochettino urges a 26-man, all-in mentality and warns against complacency, with upcoming tests like Portugal serving to gauge whether the team can apply these lessons and avoid a dangerous drop-off in intensity from start to finish.
Jersey Color Clash Steals Spotlight in USA-Belgium Friendly
USA's 5-2 loss to Belgium was overshadowed by a jersey color clash that made it hard to distinguish players on the field; Pulisic and McKennie said it affected quick decisions, and while a switch to Belgium's red home kit was discussed, logistics prevented a change before the next match.
Mexico vs Portugal marks homecoming as Estadio Banorte hosts high-stakes friendly
Mexico hosts Portugal at Estadio Banorte in Mexico City as the Estadio Azteca reopens for a high-profile international friendly. El Tri, dealing with injuries, will look to make a statement ahead of the 2026 World Cup under Javier Aguirre, while Portugal—led by Roberto Martinez and without injured star Cristiano Ronaldo—arrives as a favorite. Kickoff is at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT. TV options include US: FOX/FOX Sports App and ViX (also TUDN and Univision); Mexico: Canal 5, Azteca 7, TUDN, ViX, Azteca Deportes.
USMNT-Belgium Friendly Signals Heavy Roster Rotation Ahead of World Cup
The USMNT faces Belgium in a March friendly at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, with Miles Robinson and Chris Richards ruled out due to injuries. A new rule allows up to 11 substitutions per side, enabling heavy rotation as players audition for the World Cup roster, while Belgium may rest a couple of stars. Kickoff is 3:30 pm ET (12:30 pm PT) with TV coverage on TNT and truTV (English), Telemundo and Universo (Spanish), and streaming on HBO Max, Peacock, and FuboTV.
USMNT Ready for Belgium Clash in Atlanta with Turner and Pulisic Leading
USMNT faces Belgium in an Atlanta international friendly at Mercedes-Benz Stadium with Matt Turner in goal and a starting XI anchored by captain Tim Ream, plus Christian Pulisic, Balogun, Weah, McKennie and Malik Tillman. Johnny Cardoso earns his first USMNT appearance against a Top-10 opponent, while Turner returns for the first time since June 2025 and Ream will captain for the 26th time. Not dressed due to injury are Chris Richards and Miles Robinson. Substitutes include Freese, Brady, Schulte, Trusty, Roldan, Reyna, Pepi, Aaronson, Berhalter, Freeman, Arfsten, Scally, Morris and Agyemang. The USMNT is 1-5-0 all-time versus Belgium; teams are allowed 11 substitutions across three moments. Kickoff is 3:30 p.m. ET; pre-game coverage begins at 2:30 p.m. ET on TNT, Telemundo, Universo, HBO Max and Peacock.
Turner starts as USMNT test Belgium in Atlanta friendly
In Atlanta, the USMNT host Belgium in a high-profile international friendly with Matt Turner starting in goal for the first time since June, as Mauricio Pochettino tests his lineup. The US defense features Mark McKenzie and Tim Ream at center-back with Antonee Robinson at left back, and Balogun up top supported by a midfield trio around Weston McKennie, Christian Pulisic, and Malik Tillman. Belgium counters with Kevin De Bruyne behind Charles De Ketelaere and wings from Jérémy Doku and Alexis Saelemaekers. Early moments include Robinson winning a corner, Pulisic testing the Belgian keeper, and a Tillman–Pulisic combination forcing a save as the game gets underway.
Sounders extend road shutout streak with 0-0 draw at Minnesota
Seattle played its sixth straight road match and earned a 0-0 draw at Minnesota United, extending their road shutout streak while dominating possession but failing to convert. Andrew Thomas made key saves as Minnesota pressed at times; Kelvin Yeboah tested the keeper early, and Tino Lopez made a pivotal clearance. Alex Roldan left with a hip injury, while Jordan Morris returned to play about 25 minutes. Seattle moves to 3-1-1 on the season, with seven road points and three straight league shutouts, and heads into a road-heavy stretch before a home game at Lumen Field.
MLS Maps 2027 Sprint Season Ahead of European Calendar Reset
MLS will run a three-month 2027 “Sprint Season” as it shifts to a European-style summer-to-spring calendar: a 14-game intra-conference regular season from February to April, followed by a shortened playoffs, with the MLS Cup final in late May; the 2027-28 season will begin around late July. Five Concacaf Champions Cup spots will be awarded based on regular-season results, and the top nine finishers in each conference will qualify for the 2028 Leagues Cup. The 2026 MLS Cup final will be played Dec. 18, the latest in league history.