By: Casey Rhine
Ohhhh El Clásico, where to begin. One of soccer's most heated, yet most deeply cherished rivalries.Few of you readers get to experience El Clasico, in Barcelona, while it's happening. This was my mission on December 23rd and should be your mission on May 6th if you are not lucky enough to go to the game in the Camp Nou.
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.
United States men’s national team midfielder Johnny Cardoso played a key role in Real Betis’ 2-1 upset victory against Real Madrid on Saturday. The American headed in an equalizer from close range in the first half.
With Madrid leading 1-0 early in the first half, Johnny chose perhaps the best time to score his first LaLiga goal of the season. In the 34th minute a Betis corner was swung into the box and a wide-open Johnny was there to smash in the equalizer.
Johnny Cardoso goal vs Real Madrid
Real Betis forward Antony received great news on Wednesday when he learned he will be eligible for his side’s match vs. Real Madrid on Saturday after winning a red card appeal.
Antony was sent off in his last LaLiga game vs. Getafe with a straight red card following a tackle on Getafe's Juan Iglesias. Betis appealed to the Spanish Football Federation and won, meaning Antony is cleared to face off against Los Blancos.
Here was the moment Antony learned the news.
Antony reaction to red card overturned
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)
It couldn't get better than this, América fans.
Club América is reportedly planning to stage a highly anticipated friendly against Real Madrid at the newly renovated Estadio Azteca in October 2025, according to ESPN. The match, scheduled to coincide with the club’s 109th anniversary on October 12, would see Mexican fans’ return to the stadium for the first time in over 18 months since winning their 15th league title in May, 2024.
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)
He's officially back, ladies and gents.
Kylian Mbappé delivered a spectacular performance as he netted his first-ever hat-trick for Real Madrid, leading his team to a 3-0 LaLiga victory over Real Valladolid away at the José Zorrilla Stadium on Saturday.
Watch: Mbappé hat trick vs. Real Valladolid
Mbappé opened the scoring in the 30th minute after a sublime one-two with Jude Bellingham. The quick exchange saw Mbappé glide into the box and slot the ball past Valladolid’s goalkeeper with ease, giving Madrid the lead.
Fans have uncovered old tweets from Real Madrid's Dani Ceballos and Jude Bellingham that have shown their soft side for FC Barcelona prior to becoming UEFA Champions League winners with Los Blancos.
The tweets, posted long before both players became key figures at the Bernabéu, show the two players expressing strong opinions that now seem to conflict with their current affiliations.