Mauricio Pochettino's USMNT era begins vs. Panama, with eyes on 2026 World Cup
A new era for US soccer is set to begin, led by an Argentine coach expected to deliver big results at the 2026 World Cup.OCTOBER 11
FIFA MEN'S WORLD CUP
Iran's World Cup qualifier against Qatar is switched to Dubai after security concerns
The Asian Football Confederation says an upcoming World Cup qualifying game won’t take place in Iran because of escalating tensions in the regionOCTOBER 11 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
South Korea handles Jordan without star forwards and Australia wins in Popovic's first game
South Korea has beaten Jordan 2-0 without injured English Premier League stars Son Heung-min and Hwang Hee-chan and topped its group in Asian World Cup qualifyingOCTOBER 10 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Goalkeeper Zack Steffen happy to be back in U.S. squad after surprise snub for 2022 World Cup
Zack Steffen remembers the phone call that he considers the toughest moment of his careerOCTOBER 10 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Australia revives World Cup hopes with 3-1 win over China
Australia got its 2026 World Cup qualification campaign back on track by beating China 3-1 in coach Tony Popovic’s first game in chargeOCTOBER 10 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Injuries plague South American World Cup qualifying even though Messi is set to return
Lionel Messi will return from injury for Argentina in the next two rounds of South American World Cup qualifying, but several other top players will have to skip the upcoming match...OCTOBER 9 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Mbappé among stars missing from Nations League while European teams eye World Cup qualifying
In a congested soccer season where elite players have aired the idea of going on strike, the Nations League returns this week looking less than a top priorityOCTOBER 9 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Lionel Messi lauds 'magical' Andrés Iniesta in farewell post to retiring Spain, Barcelona legend
Andrés Iniesta, who scored Spain's World Cup-winning goal in 2010 and was one of the key players who made Barcelona's tiki-taka thrive for s...OCTOBER 8
Mauricio Pochettino kicks off new USMNT era with 'tough' and 'intense' training session
Mauricio Pochettino brings the intensity as the USMNT adapts to life under its new coach.OCTOBER 8
Australia and China seek first wins in third round of Asian World Cup qualifying
Australia hosts China in Adelaide on Thursday as both sides seek their first wins in the third round of Asian qualification for the 2026 World CupOCTOBER 7 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Mauricio Pochettino's longtime assistants follow him to U.S. national team
Mauricio Pochettino has formally added his longtime assistant coaches to the U.S. staff on his first on-field day with the USMNT.OCTOBER 7
Netherlands star Johan Neeskens, who played in 2 World Cup finals, dies at age 73
Johan Neeskens has diedOCTOBER 7 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Judges who cut Pogba's doping ban say he should have taken more care about his treatment in Florida
The judges who cut Paul Pogba’s ban in a doping case suggested the 2018 World Cup winner should have taken more care about his treatment in FloridaOCTOBER 7 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Three USMNT stars to miss Mauricio Pochettino's first games due to injuries
Tim Weah, Folarin Balogun and Johnny Cardoso will miss new coach Mauricio Pochettino’s first U.S. games because of injuries.OCTOBER 6
Liverpool goalie Alisson is injured and likely to miss Brazil World Cup qualifiers
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson was substituted after suffering a fresh injury in the English Premier League match against Crystal PalaceOCTOBER 5 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Injured Kylian Mbappé left out of France squad for UEFA Nations League games
Kylian Mbappé has been left out of France’s squad for Nations League games as he continues his recovery from a minor hamstring injury.OCTOBER 3
Lionel Messi's MLS Cup playoffs debut to be aired live in Times Square
Lionel Messi’s first MLS Cup playoff match with Inter Miami will be on Oct. 25.OCTOBER 3
Lionel Messi back with Argentina for World Cup qualifiers vs. Venezuela, Bolivia
Lionel Messi will return to Argentina’s national team for the South American World Cup qualifying matches against Venezuela and Bolivia.OCTOBER 2
Mauricio Pochettino’s first USMNT roster includes veteran keeper Zack Steffen
Veteran goalkeeper Zack Steffen is the most notable inclusion on new U.S. men’s national team coach Mauricio Pochettino’s first roster since...OCTOBER 2
Women's soccer on a high as new Asian Champions League launches
Women’s soccer is on a high in Asia in the wake of some World Cup performances that captivated nations and it's raising expectations for the new AFC Champions LeagueOCTOBER 1 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
World Cup winner Antoine Griezmann retires from representing France after 10 years
France striker Antoine Griezmann is retiring from international soccerSEPTEMBER 30 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
FIFA suspends Argentina goalkeeper for 2 matches in World Cup qualifying
Argentina’s soccer association (AFA) said on Friday that FIFA suspended goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez for two matches of South American World Cup qualifying in OctoberSEPTEMBER 27 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Brazil to rely on Real Madrid forwards in World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Peru
Under pressure after a series of bad results, Brazil’s national team is likely to have a Real Madrid trio up front for two upcoming World Cup qualifying matches in OctoberSEPTEMBER 27 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Former France and Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane announces his retirement
Former France and Real Madrid center back Raphael Varane has announced his retirement to end a career that included a World Cup title and a big haul of club trophiesSEPTEMBER 25 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Phone deal for visiting fans at 2026 World Cup part of Verizon sponsor pact with FIFA
Soccer fans arriving in North America for the 2026 World Cup have been promised help with their cell phone coverageSEPTEMBER 24 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
