In a hilarious and unexpected turn of events, Lionel Messi’s famous bodyguard, Yassine Cheuko, was momentarily “defeated” by a pitch invader during Inter Miami’s preseason match against San Miguelito in Panama.
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)
United States men’s national team fans received devastating news on Thursday as Dutch outlet Eindhovens Dagblad reported that star U.S. and PSV striker Ricardo Pepi is out indefinitely with a knee injury.
It couldn't get better than this, América fans.
Club América is reportedly planning to stage a highly anticipated friendly against Real Madrid at the newly renovated Estadio Azteca in October 2025, according to ESPN. The match, scheduled to coincide with the club’s 109th anniversary on October 12, would see Mexican fans’ return to the stadium for the first time in over 18 months since winning their 15th league title in May, 2024.
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)
Greenland's Football Association will send a delegation to the United States next month to begin talks on entering North American soccer body CONCACAF, hoping it will boost national pride at a time of global attention.
The football-crazy Arctic island, which U.S. President Donald Trump said he wants to make part of the United States, has never played competitive international football.
Yet in May last year, it applied for membership of CONCACAF, the governing body for soccer in North and Central America and the Caribbean.
Get ready to see more of Diego Luna, USMNT fans.
U.S. men's national team player, Diego Luna, faced an early setback during the January camp match against Costa Rica on Wednesday, with the attacker suffering a gruesome injury when a Costa Rican defender inadvertently elbowed him in the face, resulting in a broken nose.
United States men’s national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino will be pleased with his team’s 3-0 victory vs. Costa Rica on Wednesday. He might however be disappointed with his digestive system as he missed the USA’s second goal while back in the locker room.
We can’t confirm what he was doing not on the sidelines. Judging from his jogging form going back to the locker room, we have a pretty solid guess as to what was happening.
In the 77th minute Poch was spotted on camera doing a hasty jog to the facilities.
The United States men’s national team defeated Venezuela 3-1 in a friendly at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Flordia, on Saturday with several players impressing for the Stars and Stripes.
Saturday’s friendly was outside of the traditional FIFA international windows meaning big name players like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and others weren’t available. Many USMNT fans dislike the annual January friendly the team does and refers to it as “Camp Cupcake.”
All players on the roster are domestic-based and play in Major League Soccer.
United States women’s national team icon Alyssa Naeher was named the 2024 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year, finishing her international career on top.
Naeher, 36, was instrumental in the USWNT’s success in 2024 providing key stops in the Olympics, SheBelieves Cup and Concacaf W Gold Cup that ultimately led the U.S. to winning all three.
Recognition for her work last year came not only from U.S. Soccer as she was named the Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year and selected in FIFA’s Best Women’s XI lineup.