National Teams

The United States women’s national team got their 2025 summer off to flying start on Saturday with a stellar 3-0 victory against China in a friendly.

USWNT head coach Emma Hayes will be pleased with her side as they controlled just about every aspect of the game. The big highlight was a brilliant Sam Coffey strike in the first half to double the USA’s lead.

In the 35th minute Catarina Macario received the ball in the box and laid it off to a wide open Coffey. The 26-year-old Portland Thorns midfielder made no mistake and ripped a shot into the net.

Former United States men’s national team forward Eric Wynalda was vocal in his support of Christian Pulisic’s decision to sit out for the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup.

A litany of USMNT fans were furious with Pulisic after he requested to not compete in the USA’s final competition ahead of next summer’s home World Cup. The reasoning behind Pulisic’s absence is because he wants rest.

Christian Pulisic won’t be playing in the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup. The United States men’s national team star opted out of the team’s final competitive competition prior to next summer’s home World Cup because he wants to rest.

Matt Crocker, the U.S. Soccer Sporting Director, said in a statement that Pulisic requested to not play in the Gold Cup.

United States women’s national team head coach Emma Hayes continues to surprise fans with her roster selections with the latest eyebrow raiser being a Lo’eau LaBonta USWNT call up for upcoming friendlies against China and Jamaica.

LaBonta, 32, could set a record as the oldest player to make her USWNT debut in the history of the program. The message from Hayes seems clear: If you’re playing well for your club, you will be in consideration for the national team regardless of age, prior appearances or other factors.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s son, Cristiano Jr., took a major step into the soccer spotlight as he scored twice to lead Portugal’s Under-15 national team to victory in the 2025 Vlatko Marković Youth Tournament final against hosts Croatia.

The 14-year-old forward opened the scoring in the 13th minute with a confident left-footed finish inside the box, showcasing composure and technique reminiscent of his legendary father. The iconic 'SIUUUU' celebration also made an appearance.

The U.S. men's national team scheduled two friendlies for early September to begin their warmup for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which they are co-hosting along with Canada and Mexico.

The USMNT will face South Korea on Sept. 6 at the New York Red Bulls' home stadium in Harrison, N.J. On Sept. 9, the Americans will play Japan at the home of the Columbus Crew.

USMNT September friendlies

The women's World Cup will be expanded from 32 to 48 teams from the 2031 edition onwards after world soccer's governing body FIFA said its Council approved the proposal at a virtual meeting on Friday.

The 48-team World Cup will adopt a 12-group format, increasing the total number of matches from 64 to 104 - the same as the expanded men's World Cup in 2026 - and extending the tournament by one week.

48 team Women's World Cup

The Maracana Stadium will be one of eight venues across Brazil to host matches at the 2027 Women's World Cup, the first edition to be held in Latin America, FIFA announced on Wednesday.

In addition to the iconic venue in Rio de Janeiro, the 64 matches of the competition will be played in Belo Horizonte (Mineirao Stadium), Brasilia (National Stadium), Fortaleza (Castelao Arena), Porto Alegre (Beira-Rio Stadium), Recife (Pernambuco Arena), Salvador (Fonte Nova Arena) and Sao Paulo (Itaquera Arena).

2027 Women's World Cup stadiums