Thousands of passionate fans filled a Los Angeles stadium for the US men's national soccer team's World Cup home opener, a 4-1 victory over Paraguay. Many fans expressed a deep-rooted love for the sport, passed down through generations and influenced by immigrant communities, suggesting soccer is finally gaining significant traction in the US.
US coach Mauricio Pochettino faces pressure to deliver a historic World Cup finish. Despite a talented squad and his belief, questions linger about whether success will be enough to elevate American soccer's profile and overcome political associations with the national team.
Soccer legend Landon Donovan believes the 2026 World Cup, hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, will inspire a new generation of young fans and players, mirroring his own childhood experience at the 1994 tournament.
Despite the 2026 World Cup kickoff nearing, the tournament's presence is subtle in the US, especially in New York. USMNT players like Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie describe a slow realization, with official events and sponsorships gradually building anticipation.
US Soccer revealed its 26-man roster for the 2026 World Cup. Coach Mauricio Pochettino's decision to inform cut players via email sparked debate among fans and former players, who argue a personal call was more appropriate.
Real Salt Lake coach Pablo Mastroeni and players are stunned by the exclusion of Diego Luna and Zavier Gozo from the US World Cup squad. Luna was a key player in 2025, while Gozo's strong MLS performance earned him consideration.
Domino's is giving away over 60,000 free medium pizzas to US soccer fans if any player receives a red card during the tournament. Fans must register by June 10 and be Domino's Rewards members. Additionally, 75,000 free pizzas are offered to EA Sports FC 26 players.
The USMNT's 26-man World Cup roster has been revealed, with winger Alejandro Zendejas making the cut while midfielder Tanner Tessmann was omitted. Gio Reyna and Sebastian Berhalter are included, but Diego Luna and Aidan Morris did not make the squad.
Former US stars Alexi Lalas and Stu Holden have urged US Soccer to pursue Pep Guardiola as the next head coach of the US Men's National Team after the 2026 World Cup. They believe Guardiola's vision and coaching prowess would be ideal for the team, despite his lack of international coaching experience. The discussion arises as Guardiola's contract with Manchester City nears its end, and current US coach Mauricio Pochettino's future remains uncertain.
As soccer fans turn their attention to the future of the sport in the States, we revisit four oft-overlooked moments – and one famous kick – that shaped its pastThis was originally published in the newsletter The World Behind the Cup. Sign up for it here.The last time the US hosted the men’s World Cup in 1994, many Americans viewed soccer as a game they watched their kids play on Saturday mornings, not the world’s most beloved sport. Thirty-two years later, the sport has exploded in popularity and the USA have become a regular fixture at World Cups. But many people don’t realize the US’s World Cup history extends all the way back to the first tournament staged – when the US men had their best-ever finish, reaching the semi-finals.The tale of those connected with the US team is often bleak, but it’s also more deeply rooted and richer than is often appreciated. As US soccer fans turn their attention to the future of the sport, we revisit four often overlooked moments – and one widely celebrated kick – of the USA’s early World Cup history.This was originally published in the newsletter The World Behind the Cup. Sign up for it here. Continue reading...
Britain's 'special relationship' with the United States may be under renewed scrutiny, but when it comes to football, it appears to be in fine health, writes Dan Roan.
Federations have concerns over men’s World Cup modelFA works with Uefa to freeze ticket prices for Euro 2028The Football Association and US Soccer Federation have joined forces to lobby Fifa to alter its proposed organisational model for the 2031 and 2035 Women’s World Cups.Both federations are understood to be seeking more local control after concerns that have arisen over the organisation of this summer’s men’s World Cup, particularly regarding the cost of tickets and financial disputes with some US state and city authorities. Continue reading...
European nations wanted more merit-based prize moneyHigh costs of travel and hotels will exceed Fifa payoutsA number of leading European countries still expect to lose money at the World Cup despite Fifa increasing the prize and participation fund by $112m (£82m) this week.The main host federation, US Soccer, is also understood to be forecasting an operational loss on the tournament, although that will be more than offset by a projected $100m windfall from a revenue-sharing agreement from ticket sales with Fifa that will also benefit the two other co-hosts, Canada and Mexico. Continue reading...
