All articles tagged with #international soccer
Portugal achieved its first victory over the US women's team with a 2-1 win, marking a historic moment, while the US team, after a long layoff, struggled but celebrated Alex Morgan's farewell in her final game for the national team.
MLS teams are participating in the expanded Club World Cup, facing European giants like PSG and Chelsea, providing a rare platform to showcase their talent and challenge European dominance, despite concerns over team quality, financial disparities, and league priorities.
The US Men's National Team (USMNT) is seeking a significant international win as they prepare for Copa América, following a disappointing 5-1 loss to Colombia in a friendly. Despite having a squad filled with players from top European clubs, the team has struggled against non-CONCACAF opponents under coach Gregg Berhalter. With a challenging group that includes Uruguay and potential knockout matches against Colombia or Brazil, the USMNT's performance in this tournament could be crucial for Berhalter's future and the team's progress ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The USWNT secured their seventh SheBelieves Cup title in nine editions after defeating Canada in a penalty shootout, highlighting the team's tactical challenges and the need for cohesive squad selection. Interim coach Twila Kilgore made key lineup changes, emphasizing the dilemma of accommodating the most talented players versus creating a cohesive unit. The match showcased the importance of positioning and balance, raising questions for incoming head coach Emma Hayes on optimizing the team's talented roster ahead of the Olympics.
Folarin Balogun, a high-scoring striker who is eligible to play for the United States, England, and Nigeria, has been spotted in Orlando, fueling speculation that he may commit to the USMNT. Balogun, who plays for Arsenal and is on loan to French club Reims, has scored 17 goals in 27 league appearances this season. To join the US program, he would need to apply to FIFA for a one-time switch of associations. The USMNT has not had a clear-cut starting striker in quite some time, and acquiring Balogun would be a victory in the fight for dual nationals.