The FIFA men’s World Cup is the most popular tournament for the world’s most popular game. The 22nd edition kicks off in Doha, Qatar, on Nov. 20, 2022. You know it’s a big deal, but do you know how the World Cup works?
NEW YORK — United States two-time World Cup winner Tobin Heath announced her retirement on Thursday, after years away from the sport due to injury, disappointing her legions of fans who hoped she might one day retake the field.
Famed for her cool demeanor and extraordinary intelligence on the pitch, Heath picked up two Olympic golds and won the NWSL championship twice with the Portland Thorns.
Tobin Heath retires
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Two Diego Luna goals vs Guatemala secured the United States men’s national team a spot in the 2025 Gold Cup final as the 21-year-old shined the brightest during Wednesday’s 2-1 U.S. victory.
Luna was riding high from the quarterfinal against Costa Rica where scored his first-ever international goal. He now has triple that number following a 15-minute brace to open the game against Guatemala.
Diego Luna goals vs Guatemala
In a dramatic showdown at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Mexico and Costa Rica played out a tense 0-0 draw that ended in controversy — and heartbreak for Santiago Giménez.
The AC Milan striker seemed to have sealed a thrilling late victory for Mexico with a stunning last-minute bicycle kick, only to see his masterpiece ruled out after a VAR review.
The match had been brimming with chances from both sides, with Costa Rica’s legendary goalkeeper Keylor Navas delivering a vintage performance to keep Mexico at bay.
The United States men’s national team dominated Trinidad and Tobago 5-0 in their Concacaf Gold Cup opener on Sunday, but do the people care?
Despite the home World Cup being just a year out, the USMNT’s draw appears to be at a low that hasn’t been seen in recent history. Sunday’s game was played at PayPal Park in San Jose, California, which has a capacity of 18,000.
The venue was far from filled with a reported attendance of 12,610.
The scene at the stadium 10 minutes from kickoff was hard to believe.
USMNT attendance vs Trinidad and Tobago
The United States women’s national team got their 2025 summer off to flying start on Saturday with a stellar 3-0 victory against China in a friendly.
USWNT head coach Emma Hayes will be pleased with her side as they controlled just about every aspect of the game. The big highlight was a brilliant Sam Coffey strike in the first half to double the USA’s lead.
In the 35th minute Catarina Macario received the ball in the box and laid it off to a wide open Coffey. The 26-year-old Portland Thorns midfielder made no mistake and ripped a shot into the net.
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 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 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.
United States women’s national team head coach Emma Hayes continues to surprise fans with her roster selections with the latest eyebrow raiser being a Lo’eau LaBonta USWNT call up for upcoming friendlies against China and Jamaica.
LaBonta, 32, could set a record as the oldest player to make her USWNT debut in the history of the program. The message from Hayes seems clear: If you’re playing well for your club, you will be in consideration for the national team regardless of age, prior appearances or other factors.