Informational/Did You Know

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.

Clubs worldwide spent a record $2.35 billion on international transfers in men's soccer in the January window, nearly a 58% increase from last year, world soccer's governing body FIFA said in a study published on Friday.

According to FIFA's International Transfer Snapshot, the amount is also 47.1% higher than the previous record set in January 2023 when there was a total outlay of $1.57 billion.

Jhon Durán, Al-Nassr’s latest signing, was quick to make social headlines after making the move to the Saudi Pro League, with the former Aston Villa forward said to be travelling hundreds of miles every day... just to train.

Jhon Duran commute travel rumor with Al-Nassr: Saudi League club calls out fake news

United States women’s national team fans have noticed a new trend happening. American players are flocking across the pond with more USWNT players in Europe by the week.

The biggest story in January was Chelsea breaking the bank and spending $1.1 million on Naomi Girma from San Diego Wave FC. This set the record for the most expensive transfer in women’s soccer history.

Two more USWNT players have also left the NWSL as Jenna Nighswonger and Crystal Dunn both departed Gotham FC for European clubs.

MLS is going big.

Major League Soccer is reportedly considering a significant change to its season schedule, potentially shifting its traditional February-to-November (or Spring-Fall) calendar to align with the European model of August-to-May (Fall-Spring).

According to MLSMoves on X, Sportico spoke to representatives from two dozen MLS teams that expressed overwhelming support for this move. The shift, if it was to be confirmed, would likely take effect in the Fall of 2026, coinciding with the U.S., Canada, and Mexico co-hosting the FIFA World Cup.

You won't be seeing a whole lot of Messi, U.S. Open Cup fans.

Inter Miami is almost confirmed to be one of 11 MLS teams not participating in the 2025 U.S. Open Cup, as the tournament will only feature 16 MLS clubs, Inter Miami insider reporter José Armando reports.

Inter Miami OUT of U.S. Open Cup in 2025; will play Concacaf Champions Cup

The teams participating in the domestic cup competition will automatically be placed into the Round of 32, which is reportedly set to take place on May 6-7.

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)

Ahead of the expected announcement of Denver becoming the 16th team in the National Women's Soccer League, commissioner Jessica Berman maintained that the circuit will continue to grow.

Berman said Thursday, according to ESPN, "Obviously, there's been a lot of rumors circulating, but we will have an announcement (regarding the 16th team) next week, so more to come in the not-too-distant future. We know that our expansion is not done.

AC Milan winger Christian Pulisic will not be available when the newly-crowned Italian Super Cup champions travel to Juventus in Serie A on Saturday, coach Sergio Conceicao said.

Why is Pulisic not playing vs. Juventus?

The United States international limped off the pitch on Tuesday against Como and was substituted at halftime, after suffering a knock.

However, the 26-year-old avoided a major injury and is only dealing with muscle fatigue, Italian media reported.

Lionel Messi wanted to make Neymar the best player in the world.

In a candid interview with Brazilian national team legend, Romario, on the Romario Onze podcast, Neymar Jr. opened up about the real reasons he left FC Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain in 2017, offering more insight into one of the most talked-about transfers in soccer history.