Men's National Teams

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.

Former USMNT star Eric Wynalda defends Christian Pulisic’s decision to skip 2025 Gold Cup

Former United States men’s national team forward Eric Wynalda was vocal in his support of Christian Pulisic’s decision to sit out for the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup.

A litany of USMNT fans were furious with Pulisic after he requested to not compete in the USA’s final competition ahead of next summer’s home World Cup. The reasoning behind Pulisic’s absence is because he wants rest.

Christian Pulisic opts out of this summer’s Gold Cup, here’s how fans reacted

Christian Pulisic won’t be playing in the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup. The United States men’s national team star opted out of the team’s final competitive competition prior to next summer’s home World Cup because he wants to rest.

Matt Crocker, the U.S. Soccer Sporting Director, said in a statement that Pulisic requested to not play in the Gold Cup.

Angel Di María announces exit from Benfica, future uncertain

May 18 (Reuters) - Angel Di María will not return for Benfica next season, the Argentine forward said after the club failed to win the Liga Portugal following a 1-1 draw at Braga on Saturday, finishing two points below champions Sporting.

The 37-year-old, who retired from international soccer last year after making 145 appearances for Argentina, has spent five years at Benfica in two spells, having re-joined the club in 2023 after playing for Real Madrid, Manchester United, Paris St Germain and Juventus.

Watch: Cristiano Jr. shines with two goals in final win for Portugal U15

Cristiano Ronaldo’s son, Cristiano Jr., took a major step into the soccer spotlight as he scored twice to lead Portugal’s Under-15 national team to victory in the 2025 Vlatko Marković Youth Tournament final against hosts Croatia.

The 14-year-old forward opened the scoring in the 13th minute with a confident left-footed finish inside the box, showcasing composure and technique reminiscent of his legendary father. The iconic 'SIUUUU' celebration also made an appearance.

USMNT will be tested against Asia’s best with September friendlies vs. Japan and South Korea

The U.S. men's national team scheduled two friendlies for early September to begin their warmup for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which they are co-hosting along with Canada and Mexico.

The USMNT will face South Korea on Sept. 6 at the New York Red Bulls' home stadium in Harrison, N.J. On Sept. 9, the Americans will play Japan at the home of the Columbus Crew.

USMNT September friendlies

Nike unveils 2025 U.S. Soccer kits… fans can’t decide whether to love them or hate them

The 2025 U.S. Soccer kits from Nike were revealed on Tuesday and American fans are in a hot debate over the new apparel.

2025 U.S. Soccer kits

Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. receives first international call-up for Portugal’s U15 squad

Al Nassr superstar Cristiano Ronaldo shared exciting news on Tuesday that his eldest son — Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. — received his first international call-up from Portugal.

The 14-year-old plays for Al Nassr’s academy and will now wear the national team shirt for the first time in his young career. 

Cristiano Ronaldo Jr Portugal call-up

Bruce Arena calls out Mauricio Pochettino and says USMNT head coach should be American

Former United States men’s national team head coach Bruce Arena criticized U.S. Soccer’s decision to hire Argentine head coach Mauricio Pochettino arguing that an American is the best fit for the job.

Speaking on Unfiltered Soccer with Landon Donovan and Tim Howard, Arena said that foreign coaches fail to understand the culture of American soccer and players.

Bruce Arena Pochettino comments

Lionel Messi says Mexico have fantasy rivalry with Argentina and he doesn’t know when it started

The Lionel Messi Mexico rivalry quote went viral on Thursday as the Inter Miami star said there's no rivalry between Argentina and El Tri. He doubled down saying that Mexico fans believe there's a rivalry when in reality there is none.

Messi appeared on Simplemente Fútbol when he shared his feelings on the disdain Mexico fans have for him.

Lionel Messi Mexico rivalry

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