Germany

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, set to take place in the United States, is embracing a bold and entertainment-driven approach with unique elements inspired by the NBA. 

Players and managers will be interviewed live during halftime of matches, a first for a FIFA-sanctioned tournament. 

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MUNICH — Champions Bayern Munich eased past Borussia Moenchengladbach 2-0 in the Bundesliga on Saturday as club icon Thomas Müller bid farewell in his final home game after 25 years at the club.

The 35-year-old Müller, who came through the Bayern youth ranks to win dozens of titles including a record 13 league crowns and two Champions League trophies, was the focus even before the start.

Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso will leave his role at the end of the season, with the Spaniard saying on Friday the time was right after a fruitful three-year spell, as media reports link him to the Real Madrid job for next term.

Alonso took charge of Leverkusen in October 2022 and guided them to the double last season as they lifted their first Bundesliga title, without losing a game, while they also won the German Cup and reached the Europa League final.

Bayern Munich crowd favorite Thomas Müller will leave the German record champions at the end of the season after 25 trophy-laden years because he was not offered another contract, he said on Saturday.

In a message on social media, the 35-year-old attacking midfielder, who started as a youth player and won a record 12 league crowns with Bayern - the most by any Bundesliga player - said he would have liked to stay on.

Thomas Müller leaving Bayern

MLS is the real deal, folks.

Major League Soccer has solidified its position among the world’s top-tier soccer leagues, now ranked as the ninth-best league globally, according to Opta Analyst.

MLS ranked as ninth-best league in the world, over EFL Championship and Eredivisie

This milestone places MLS above renowned leagues like the English Championship and the Dutch Eredivisie — two leagues in Europe with long histories of having top soccer talents.

In a surprising move, FIFA has significantly slashed ticket prices for this summer’s inaugural 2025 Club World Cup in the United States.

2025 Club World Cup ticket price drop: FIFA 'panicking' amid low fan interest

Reports from Mail Sport indicate that the cost of the cheapest seats for matches at the last-16 stage and beyond has been reduced by as much as $385, with some tickets for the semi-finals plummeting from an eye-watering $526 to just $140.

Welcome to this week’s edition of USMNT Abroad, where we bring you the latest updates on American soccer players making waves across Europe. 

From standout performances to key transfers, rumors and injury reports, The18 has got you covered with all the action involving U.S. men’s national team players in Europe’s top leagues. 

C’mon, you yanks!

USMNT Abroad this weekend: The latest on American players in Europe

Antonee Robinson (Fulham)

Welcome to this week’s edition of USMNT Abroad, where we bring you the latest updates on American soccer players making waves across Europe. 

From standout performances to key transfers, rumors and injury reports, The18 has got you covered with all the action involving U.S. men’s national team players in Europe’s top leagues. 

C’mon, you yanks!

USMNT Abroad this weekend: The latest on American players in Europe

Josh Sargent (Norwich City)

A Gio Reyna goal vs Holstein Kiel saw the American midfielder score his second goal of the season. His last goal came on Dec. 15 against Hoffenheim.

United States men’s national team fans will be thrilled with Reyna scoring, however Borussia Dortmund supporters will be disappointed in the 4-2 defeat to the club that were sitting 17th in the Bundesliga.

Dortmund trailed 3-0 before Reyna provided his team with a sliver of hope. The 22-year-old received the ball in the middle of the field before dribbling to just outside the box. Reyna then let it fly from 20 yards out.