How USMNT's World Cup campaign is being helped by puppies Bud, Dew Drop and Bloom
USMNT has followed soccer sides like Arsenal in using dogs to help athletes facing high-pressure moments.
MLS
25th June 2026
LA Galaxy rejects $8m bid for star winger Gabriel Pec from Brazilian club Cruzeiro
The Brazilian has 43 goals and 28 assists for the Galaxy in 101 appearances.
NYCFC interested in Christian Pulisic deal, told by AC Milan he is not for sale
The USA star has a year remaining on his Milan contract, with the Italian club holding the option to extend it by 12 months.
24th June 2026
World Cup is a shop window for these USMNT players, post-tournament moves possible
A deep USMNT run in the World Cup could lead to increased transfer interest in several national teamers.
'Why not U.S.'? How Mauricio Pochettino inspired his team to believe
The U.S. head coach explains why he was so 'relaxed' heading into this World Cup, and how the past has helped to shape a positive future.
Watching Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in 24 hours. The World Cup is still in thrall to them
Watching the two greatest footballers of the modern era playing on the biggest stage in the twilight of their careers was irresistible.
Where next for Mohamed Salah?
The Egypt forward will become a free agent next week and has yet to reveal where he will play his club football next season.
23rd June 2026
'Is this real?' The U.S. teenagers who found themselves playing with and against France
Teenagers from third-tier New England Revolution Next Pro were able to play alongside the French squad in a training match.
All the numbers as Lionel Messi overtakes Miroslav Klose to become World Cup's top scorer
The Argentina captain has eclipsed the former Germany striker as the all-time top scorer in the competition.
Norway-Senegal match at MetLife Stadium played as scheduled between rainstorms in New Jersey
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Norway's World Cup match against Senegal was played as scheduled at MetLife Stadium on Monday night between heavy rain before kickoff and after the final whistle of the Vikings' 3-2 win.
22nd June 2026
The World Cup in Las Vegas: Pool parties, star-spangled dungarees and 480 cans of Tennent's
Las Vegas wasn't awarded a World Cup game but it still wanted to draw visiting fans. This is how it worked out.
The United States is lighting up the World Cup, so where is President Trump?
The U.S. president has been a staunch supporter of soccer but has yet to attend a game at the 2026 tournament on home soil.
Dear Ismaël, I know the shock. I know the anger. I know the sadness. But know this: Bones heal
Charlie Davies, who saw his World Cup dream shattered in 2010, writes from the heart to Canada's Ismaël Kone about his devastating injury.
Lionel Messi — improbably, still as good as ever
Lionel Messi has found form at the perfect time, delivering 'jaw-dropping' displays in training for Inter Miami on U.S. soil.
Uruguay struggles in first 2 matches as Suárez watches from the stands
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Uruguay is off to a start many did not expect. After draws against Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde, and with a match against Spain still to come, the two-time World Cup winner is at risk of missing the knockout stage.
Mohamed Salah delivers Egypt's historic first World Cup win; Are Pharaohs on crash course with USMNT?
Our writers break down a landmark night for Mohamed Salah and Egypt and opportunity lost for New Zealand at the World Cup.
21st June 2026
Xavi: 'Lionel Messi is the Michael Jordan of football. He's incomparable, almost inhuman'
In his first World Cup column, Xavi talks about watching Messi break through at 16, and how emotional it makes him seeing him star in 2026.
Was this the king of World Cup goalkeeper performances? Why the Japan fan backlash? Day 10 recap
The key talking points from day 10 of the World Cup, including a disputed record and a problem with a wholesome World Cup trend.
Gareth Bale on Real Madrid, Jose Mourinho and why he's investing in women's sports
Gareth Bale has had time to 'reset' after retiring from football, a game he thinks has moved from basketball to more a 'chess game'.
Brobbey and Gakpo strike twice each as Netherlands routs Sweden 5-1 to lead Group F
HOUSTON (AP) — Under intense pressure after an opening-game draw, the Netherlands delivered a dominant performance against Sweden in the World Cup on Saturday to move atop the Group F standings. Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo scored two goals apiece to power Netherlands to the 5-1 win.
20th June 2026
The 10 most important games in World Cup history: ranked
A thousand World Cup matches. Many of them life-changing, several history-changing. Here are the 10 most iconic.
Is the USMNT a genuine World Cup contender? We asked our experts
The USMNT's brilliant performances at a home World Cup have sent hopes soaring, so is Pochettino's team a genuine contender to win it?.
Inside the biggest, most heartbreaking day in Canada soccer history — by those who lived it
Canada's 6-0 win and the distressing injury suffered by Ismaël Koné showed what this team is all about: friendship and commitment.
Paraguay's Miguel Almirón gets first-ever red card for covering mouth in situation of confrontation
The laws of the game were changed in April following an incident involving Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr and Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni.
New stadium needed to keep Whitecaps in Vancouver, MLS Commissioner Don Garber says
SEATTLE (AP) — MLS Commissioner Don Garber said before the United States beat Australia at the World Cup on Friday that the Vancouver Whitecaps need to have a new stadium deal in order to keep the club in Vancouver.
Soccer beacon Seattle shines on the World Cup stage
The United States' good vibes continued with a 2-0 win over Australia at rollicking Seattle Stadium as a three-decade dream was realized.
USMNT beats Australia, soars into World Cup knockout stage; How'd they do it without Pulisic?
The Americans are into the round of 32 and could be group winners already if things break their way later Friday. Our writers break it down.
Australia defender Lucas Herrington, 18, attracts Barcelona interest before USMNT clash
The promising Colorado Rapids youngster is already attracting significant interest abroad.
19th June 2026
Do legends like Lionel Messi get treated differently by referees? Yes, but it's complicated
Officials cannot help but think of the consequences of sending off a superstar, but the best set those concerns aside.
Meet the U.S. World Cup team, including soccer royalty, the Medford Messi and a magician
With the U.S. off to a hot start to its home World Cup, learn a bit more about the people these 26 players are as they captivate the country.
Has three winning hosts supercharged this World Cup? Was Neymar worth the risk? Day eight recap
Mexico are through, Canada are pretty much through but Neymar's three-year wait for an appearance in a Brazil shirt goes on.
Lionel Messi's family confirm father Jorge suffering from 'health issues'
Jorge Messi has played a significant role in his son’s career, having served as his agent and business manager.
18th June 2026
England’s unused players to get training game against MLS side Sporting KC
Thomas Tuchel's side opened their World Cup with a 4-2 victory over Croatia on Wednesday.
If Christian Pulisic is out vs. Australia, it's a problem for USMNT. Who can solve it?
Mauricio Pochettino could turn to a number of different options if his leading attacker is missing on Friday in Seattle.
17th June 2026
I made my Spurs debut before Harry Kane but I had no idea what 'mentality' meant - he did
Cameron Lancaster met Kane at Tottenham aged 11 and played for the first team before England's record goalscorer. His success is no fluke.
2026 FIFA World Cup standings for every group
The 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup is almost here. This page — one of dozens comprising The Athletic’s World Cup Tracker project — is your destination for current group standings and the live table of third-place teams.
2026 FIFA World Cup standings for every group
The 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup is almost here. This page — one of dozens comprising The Athletic’s World Cup Tracker project — is your destination for current group standings and the live table of third-place teams.
2026 FIFA World Cup bracket projection
Live estimates of where qualifying teams will end up in the World Cup Round of 32 bracket.
2026 FIFA World Cup bracket projection
Live estimates of where qualifying teams will end up in the World Cup Round of 32 bracket.
16th June 2026
Why I Love The Beautiful Game: Zohran Mamdani on Arsenal transfers and magic of World Cup
The New York City mayor sits down with The Athletic to discuss his life-long passion for soccer — including his own college playing career.
A U.S. pundit sparked an international incident with a one-word analysis of USA-Australia
A knee-jerk reaction to the U.S.'s World Cup draw still lingers six months later and serves as the unlikely backdrop to Friday's match.
I was Kylian Mbappe's captain at 14. Even then he was obsessed by the pursuit of greatness
Mbappe's game has changed a lot since he was a teenager at Monaco, but a burning desire to win and improve has been there from the start.
Everyone is asking this after Cape Verde's shocking draw with Spain
If you spent Monday afternoon squinting at a map of West Africa, well, you were not alone. Cape Verde, a speck of 10 islands in the Atlantic, walked into Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta for its first World Cup match ever and walked out with points against the European champions, Spain.
Earthquakes sign coach Bruce Arena through the 2028-29 season
SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — The San Jose Earthquakes signed coach Bruce Arena to a new contract on Monday that runs through the 2028-29 MLS season. Arena, the former U.S. men's national team coach, has helped turn the Earthquakes around since taking over before last season.
Greatest World Cup shocks: Debating where Cape Verde holding Spain ranks
The Athletic's experts pick out the greatest shocks in men's World Cup history.
15th June 2026
Who is Ismail Elfath? What to know about American referee
It's no surprise that America's interest in soccer rises exponentially with the World Cup.
14th June 2026
The USMNT's World Cup opener on Fox: Smiles, swearing and Sesame Street
The host broadcaster aimed big for a much-anticipated occasion. Their coverage was bold, fun — and unmistakably American.
13th June 2026
What you need to know if you've just fallen in love with USMNT and the World Cup
The U.S. made a stunning start to the World Cup. You want to know more about them - well we have you covered here.
Is USMNT a legit World Cup contender? Have fans cracked the cheaper-ticket code? Day 2 Recap
What to know about everything that happened on Day 2 of the World Cup as the USMNT showed its potential.
Clint Dempsey slams Jesse Marsch after national anthem dig: ‘Worry about your own team’
Clint Dempsey, the US men’s national team’s joint all-time leading scorer, has fired back at Jesse Marsch after the Canada coach suggested that American players had to be begged to sing the Star-Spangled Banner.
Chicago Fire pursuing Leon Goretzka deal
The 31-year-old midfielder, who won seven Bundesliga titles with Bayern Munich, is a free agent this summer.
Robert Lewandowski visiting Chicago Fire as talks continue over possible MLS move
The 37-year-old striker is a free agent after leaving Barcelona.
12th June 2026
Inside England's secret World Cup friendly: Toney's 'class', Bellingham selfies and Tuchel clears up
Thomas Tuchel's squad took on Miami FC behind closed doors on Thursday - this is what happened.
Will the United States win the 2026 World Cup? Here’s a list of things about as likely
Our forecast gives the United States about a 1.2 percent chance of winning the World Cup.
South Korea come from behind to beat Czech Republic
FIFA World Cup. South Korea 2 - 1 Czech Republic FT. South Korea came from behind to defeat the Czech Republic 2-1 as substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu scored the winning goal in the 80th minute of their World Cup opener.
Why I Love The Beautiful Game: Brandon Aubrey on idolising Thierry Henry and swapping soccer for NFL
The NFL's highest-paid kicker was a soccer player first. Brandon Aubrey talks about penalties, pressure and the USA's World Cup chances.
11th June 2026
Welcome to Connections: Soccer Edition, now live
Connections: Soccer Edition is The Athletic’s World Cup-themed game, and it officially launched on June 11, 2026.
The U.S. signed up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup - and its 11 host cities are paying for it
World Cup organizer FIFA pushes billions of costs onto its host cities, leading to frustration and a refusal to make the same mistakes again.
Jaouen could be a 'very good signing' for Newcastle - Howey
Former Newcastle United defender Steve Howey believes the addition of goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen could be a "very good signing" for Eddie Howe's side, adding he is glad the deal has been completed quickly.
10th June 2026
Cobi Jones: These are the 3 best leaders I played with on the USMNT and in MLS
Jones is the United States men's national team's all-time leader in appearances.
Everything you need to know about the United States' 2026 World Cup team
If you're new to the World Cup and American soccer, have no fear. Here's all you need to know before jumping on the U.S. bandwagon.
Stars of Soccer: 200 players to watch at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
The 2026 World Cup is here, and it’s bigger than ever before. To help you follow the tournament, The Athletic has identified 200 players who we’re calling the Stars of Soccer. Some are household names — yes, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are here — but plenty are not.
Stars of Soccer: 200 players to watch at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
The 2026 World Cup is here, and it’s bigger than ever before. To help you follow the tournament, The Athletic has identified 200 players who we’re calling the Stars of Soccer. Some are household names — yes, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are here — but plenty are not.
Fire would love to be part of the battle for Chicago's sporting soul
Sporting director Gregg Broughton has big ambitions for the Chicago Fire to be a major player in the Windy City.
Dad Gregg once said he wasn’t USMNT material. Sebastian Berhalter reached the World Cup anyway
The son of the former U.S. coach earned his place at the 2026 World Cup, driven by doubt — even some at home — and backed by work ethic.
9th June 2026
'Never know whose life you're changing': USMNT World Cup team can make 1994-like mark
Former U.S. forward Charlie Davies says the 1994 World Cup and USMNT inspired his career.
2026 FIFA World Cup standings for every group
The 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup is almost here. This page — one of dozens comprising The Athletic’s World Cup Tracker project — is your destination for current group standings and the live table of third-place teams.
2026 FIFA World Cup bracket projection
Live estimates of where qualifying teams will end up in the World Cup Round of 32 bracket.
2026 FIFA World Cup: Each team’s chances of reaching the Round of 32
Here you’ll find detailed estimates for how likely all 48 teams are to make the Round of 32 — by winning the group, getting second place or securing a third-place berth — or to advance deeper into the tournament.
2026 FIFA World Cup: Each team’s chances of reaching the Round of 32
Here you’ll find detailed estimates for how likely all 48 teams are to make the Round of 32 — by winning the group, getting second place or securing a third-place berth — or to advance deeper into the tournament.