Quotes

The USMNT’s most unlikely hero? Cristian Roldan makes case for 2026 World Cup roster inclusion

The United States men’s national team roster for the 2026 World Cup is a true mystery just eight months away from the start of the tournament. Cristian Roldan threw another curveball into the plan with an impressive performance in the midfield during the USMNT’s 2-1 friendly win vs. Australia on Tuesday.

It’s no secret that the 30-year-old Seattle Sounders midfielder has his fair share of critics among the U.S. fanbase. Roldan has often been a metaphorical punching bag for fans during his limited appearances for the national team over the past few years.

Lamine Yamal’s father calls 2025 Ballon d’Or ‘biggest moral damage done to a human being’

Ousmane Dembélé winning the 2025 Ballon d’Or didn’t sit right with everyone with the father of runner-up Lamine Yamal being one of the most vocal.

Mounir Nasraou, Yamal’s father, was irate that his 18-year-old son didn’t become the award’s youngest winner in history on Monday. Nasraou went as far as to say that Yamal not winning the award was incredibly disrespectful.

Lamine Yamal father reaction to Ballon d’Or

Nasraou didn’t want to say that Dembélé’s triumph was a robbery, but he may as well have said it with his fiery tirade about the 2025 award.

Iconic broadcaster Ray Hudson announces his retirement, a look back at some of his best calls

One of the world’s most unique and outgoing soccer broadcasters is hanging up the headset. The incredible Ray Hudson announced on Tuesday that he will retire from calling games.

Hudson’s passion for the game was unmatched when in the broadcast booth. If you even say the word “magisterial” to a soccer fan, their brain will go immediately to Hudson calling a Lionel Messi goal.

At 70 years old Hudson has decided it’s time for him to call it a career. And what a 23-year broadcasting career it was.

Ray Hudson retires

‘I don’t think I’ll play another World Cup’ says Lionel Messi when asked about 2026 tournament

Lionel Messi played his final home World Cup qualifier for Argentina on Thursday and dazzled the 85,000+ fans in Buenos Aires with a brace during the 3-0 victory vs. Venezuela. The 38-year-old then caught the attention of fans online with his comments after the game.

When asked about the likelihood of him playing in next summer’s 2026 World Cup and defending Argentina’s world title, Messi said it’s not likely.

Will Messi play in 2026 World Cup?

Tim Howard on Luis Suárez: ‘How has this guy not had his nose rearranged?’

As of Thursday, Sept. 4, Major League Soccer has yet to announce a punishment for Luis Suárez after he spat in the face of a Seattle Sounders security member following the Leagues Cup final on Sunday.

A Tim Howard Luis Suárez podcast clip saw the American inquire about why the Uruguayan hasn’t faced a more immediate… and physical consequences for his litany of shocking moments on the field.

Opinion: José Mourinho needs to come to MLS after Fenerbahce sacking

Soccer managerial icon José Mourinho was sacked once again on Friday as Turkish club Fenerbahce parted ways with “the Special One” following the club’s failure to qualify for the Champions League.

Mourinho has now been let go by Fenerbahce, Roma, Tottenham and Manchester United all in the previous seven years. Needless to say it seems that the 62-year-old manager has lost some of his flair in Europe.

‘Sometimes I hate my players’ says Man United manager Ruben Amorim

MANCHESTER — If Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim sounded on the brink of resignation after their shock League Cup loss to fourth-tier Grimsby Town on Wednesday, he clarified his comments on Friday saying emotions got the better of him.

"Sometimes I want to quit, sometimes I want to be here for 20 years," Amorim told reporters ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash against Burnley. "Sometimes I love to be with my players, sometimes I don't want to be with them."

Amorim interview

Opinion: The USMNT are officially in trouble for 2026 World Cup following Sept. roster reveal

Ladies and gentlemen, the United States men’s national team are beginning to seriously worry me. If the “worry scale” was similar to DEFCON then I’d say the USMNT are at DEFCON 3.

U.S. head coach Mauricio Pochettino shocked fans on Tuesday with a bizarre 22-man roster for two September friendlies. Big names like Weston McKennie, Johnny Cardoso, Antonee Robinson, Folarin Balogun, Yunus Musah and Gio Reyna were all left off the roster.

Robinson and Balogun are returning from injury, however the rest were simply left off the roster due to a coaching decision.

‘Minor leg muscle injury’ extends Neymar’s international absence with Brazil to two years

Neymar will miss Brazil's final two World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Bolivia next week, extending his absence from international duty to nearly two years.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti left the Santos star out of his 23-man squad announced on Monday, citing a minor leg muscle injury sustained last week as the reason for his latest omission. Brazil have already secured their place at the 2026 World Cup.

Last time Neymar played for Brazil

Grown in America Player Profile: Senior UMass goalkeeper Alex Geczy shares his growth between the posts

“Grown in America: Play Fueled by Peanuts” is a nationwide campaign that shines a spotlight on the rising stars of soccer – young athletes from across the country who are putting in the work, powering their performance, and doing it all with fuel that’s as American as the game is global: peanuts.

As part of The18’s campus tour with the National Peanut Board, we’re connecting with college players to hear their stories, get their takes on the sport, and find out how they stay game-day ready. 

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