National Teams

The United States men’s national team only have four games left to play until the 2026 World Cup. That’s right, there are just four 2026 USMNT friendlies before the Stars and Stripes take on the planet’s best in the World Cup.

U.S. head coach Mauricio Pochettino will get to test his players against Europe’s elite next year with top European nations on the schedule.

Here’s a look at who the USMNT will face before the World Cup next summer.

2026 USMNT friendlies

Exact dates are still TBA.

The United States men’s national team will be without star player Christian Pulisic for the upcoming November friendlies against Paraguay and Uruguay. For fans asking why is Pulisic not playing for US? Here’s why.

Pulisic is still recovering from a hamstring injury he suffered while playing for the USMNT against Australia on Oct. 14. The U.S. national team and Pulisic’s club AC Milan have made an agreement to keep the 27-year-old forward in Italy for the November international window.

Why is Pulisic not playing for US in November friendlies

Just when we thought the United States women’s national team’s attack couldn’t get stronger, Emma Sears announced herself with a hat trick against New Zealand on Wednesday during the USA’s 6-0 friendly victory.

Sears, 24, had previously only scored one goal for the USWNT in 10 appearances. On Wednesday she took advantage of being named in head coach Emma Hayes’ starting XI and put on a show for the fans at CPKC Stadium in Kansas City.

Emma Sears hat trick

Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal are making an early trip to Mexico.

The Mexican Football Federation (FMF) is close to finalizing an agreement for Mexico and Portugal to face off in the re-inauguration of the Estadio Azteca on March 28, 2026, marking the stadium’s grand reopening ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Over 1 million tickets sold during the first ticketing window for the 2026 World Cup, announced FIFA on Thursday. Millions of fans who applied for tickets during the Visa Presale Draw weren’t selected and will have to try again for the next window.

So, when might that be?

Next chance to buy World Cup tickets

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.

FIFA and Adidas unveiled the official ball for the 2026 World Cup on Thursday as the Trionda will grace the fields of the United States, Mexico and Canada next summer. 

The design features imagery of the three host nations and the ball’s pattern looks similar to the Brazuca ball used in Brazil during the 2014 World Cup.

Trionda 2026 World Cup ball

An insane Cristiano Ronaldo goal vs Armenia from distance was one of two CR7 goals on Saturday during Portugal’s 5-0 World Cup qualifier victory. The pair of goals boosted the 40-year-old’s career tally to 942. He simply can’t stop scoring.

Ronaldo is making a serious case to be included in Portugal’s 2026 World Cup squad as he continues to provide goals for the national team. He'll be 41 when the 2026 World Cup begins.

Lionel Messi is set to play his final World Cup qualifier in Argentina on Thursday, while four South American teams are still competing for the remaining automatic places at the 2026 tournament in what could be a dramatic climax.

The 38-year-old Argentina captain will take to the pitch at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires to face Venezuela in what he describes as a very special match, with his family set to be in attendance, including his wife, children, parents and siblings.

How to watch Messi's last World Cup qualifier in Argentina

Portugal have paid tribute to Diogo Jota by passing his number 21 jersey to his close friend and former teammate Ruben Neves, following the forward's death in a car crash last month, national team coach Roberto Martinez said.

Neves, a midfielder at Saudi side Al-Hilal, was a pallbearer at Jota's funeral. The Liverpool forward died aged 28 with his younger brother, Andre Silva, in northwestern Spain after their Lamborghini veered off the road and burst into flames.

Diogo Jota Portugal number passed on