Lists

List of countries set to play in their first-ever World Cup next summer

The expanded 48-team World Cup for 2026 will be the biggest yet and include several newcomers on the world’s premier soccer stage. Here are the countries playing in their first World Cup at the 2026 edition.

For this list we’ll split countries into three different categories.

  1. True newcomers (first-ever World Cup)
  2. Welcome back (second-ever World Cup)
  3. It’s been awhile (10+ years since their last World Cup)

Let’s meet the new faces.

True newcomers

Americans with the most UEFA Champions League goals (2025/26 season update)

The appearances of Americans in Europe’s most prestigious club competition has become a norm in the past few decades. With players like Weston McKennie who has played in five straight editions of the competition and Christian Pulisic who won the tournament in 2021 with Chelsea, the UEFA Champions League has gotten accustomed to seeing the United States’ best.

With appearances, though, comes the most important part of the game and an honor that many of today’s American Champions League stars have under their belt in the tournament — scoring goals.

Five USMNT players who need a great Gold Cup to have a chance at making 2026 World Cup roster

The 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup will serve as a major opportunity for several United States men’s national team players to prove themselves to head coach Mauricio Pochettino.

Big stars will miss the tournament including Weston McKennie, Timothy Weah and Gio Reyna due to the Club World Cup. Christian Pulisic, Antonee Robinson and Yunus Musah will also skip the tournament due to rest.

This presents the chance for several fringe players to make a name for themselves and show why they should be considered for the 2026 World Cup roster.

Here are the top 10 best US soccer players to watch in 2025 (men’s edition)

Whether you’re a die-hard American soccer fan or a casual enjoyer, you might be curious about the best US soccer players. American players have been excelling in the world’s top leagues this season. Here are the ones to watch in 2025.

Top 10 best US Soccer players to watch in 2025

Honorable mentions: Johnny Cardoso, Sergiño Dest and Malik Tillman

10. Chris Richards

Argentina finish as No. 1 ranked team in the world for second-consecutive year

Reigning world champions Argentina have kept top spot in the final FIFA men's world ranking of 2024 for a second consecutive year, with no changes in the top 10 of the latest list published on Thursday.

Lionel Scaloni's Argentina, who were crowned Copa America champions for a record 16th time after they beat Colombia in July, continue to lead the way ahead of second-placed France and Euro 2024 winners Spain in third.

December FIFA rankings

Lionel Messi ties Landon Donovan’s international assists record, check out all 58 Donovan assists

Lionel Messi assisted Lautaro Martínez during Argentina’s 1-0 victory vs. Peru on Tuesday to tie former United States star Landon Donovan and Neymar for the most international assists in men’s soccer history.

Here was the assist that tied Neymar and Donovan’s record of 58 assists.

Is your playing style crunchy or smooth? Answer these questions to find out

There are two kinds of peanut butter lovers in this world. Smooth and crunchy. The same can be said for those on the soccer field, as you’ll notice two distinct types of players on the pitch. Are you a smooth or crunchy player?

BREAKING: FIFA announce venues for 2025 Club World Cup in the United States

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final will be held at the New Jersey home of the NFL's New York Giants and New York Jets, world soccer's governing body announced on Saturday along with the venue lineup for the revamped tournament.

The expanded 32-team tournament, which will feature leading clubs from around the world, will be held in 12 stadiums around the United States next year from June 15 through July 13.

Top 7 best ways to get away with watching the UEFA Champions League at work this year

This season the UEFA Champions League is bigger than ever before (literally) as a new format will see eight games per club and a total of 36 teams competing. 

American soccer fans know all too well the struggles of trying to watch games in the middle of the day on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. We at The18 are fortunate enough to spectate Champions League games, but we know others don’t have that privilege.

The best we can do is provide these seven excuses/hacks to watch the big games while on the clock in the office this season.

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