Ligue 1

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)

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.

The news of Patrick Vieira leaving his head coaching gig with Strasbourg has caught the attention of United States men’s national team fans. The French manager is one of the top prospects for the vacant USMNT job.

Vieira managed Strasbourg for one season, finishing 13th in Ligue 1. The two have now mutually parted ways with the club thanking him for their short time together.

Patrick Vieira leaves Strasbourg

METZ, France, June 4 (Reuters) - Kylian Mbappé is thrilled his long-awaited move to Real Madrid has been confirmed, but the France captain is now concentrating on the national team as they prepare for Euro 2024.

Mbappé joined the Spanish club on Monday after his Paris Saint-Germain contract ended, and with the transfer saga finally over, the forward is delighted and relieved, but at a press conference on Tuesday he wanted to keep the focus on France.

PARIS — French soccer star Kylian Mbappé said in a video on social media platform X on Friday that he would leave Paris Saint-Germain and end his 'adventure' with the club in a few weeks time.

"This is my last year at Paris Saint Germain. I will not stay on and I will end my adventure in a few weeks time. I will play my last match at the Parc des Princes this Sunday," said the 25-year old in his video address.

Mbappé leaving PSG

AS Monaco and United States men’s national team striker Folarin Balogun got himself on the scoresheet twice during his side’s 5-2 Ligue 1 victory vs. Metz on Saturday.

Balogun’s first goal was scored in bizarre fashion as Metz goalkeeper Alexandre Oukidja lived every keeper’s worst nightmare and got caught on the ball. Balogun, who came on a substitute in the 65th minute, did well to force the mistake and was rewarded with a goal.

They don’t come much easier than this.