The Athletic: Latest Football News & Analysis (RSS)

Pochettino ramps up defiance as USMNT eyes a rebound showing vs. Japan

The USMNT manager struck a clear tone on the eve of another pre-World Cup test, amid a run of tough performances vs. top opponents..

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 20:50:36 GMT

MLS suspends Luis Suárez further after League Cup ban for spitting

Suárez was already suspended for six Leagues Cup games, but the punishment now bleeds into Miami's MLS slate as well. ..

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 18:30:03 GMT

Inside Barcelona: Why Spain's champions still don't know where they are playing home games

Our Barcelona correspondents share their latest information on the biggest talking points at the club right now..

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 13:47:36 GMT

Leverkusen appoint Kasper Hjulmand as head coach after Erik ten Hag exit

Hjulmand, 52, has been out of football since leaving his position as Denmark head coach after Euro 2024...

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 13:21:54 GMT

How do the USMNT exit their spiral? Plus: Man Utd's Onana is heading to Turkey, and a scorpion kick

Today in TAFC: Mauricio Pochettino's United States are handed a harsh reality check plus Manchester United's goalkeeper is set to depart..

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 11:36:20 GMT

Ecuador are outperforming Brazil in World Cup qualifying. They are a footballing nation on the rise

Their Argentine coach Sebastian Beccacece tells Jack Lang about a country 'chasing our dreams' and improving fast..

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 11:00:36 GMT

Inside Real Madrid: Wharton and Smit discussed, injury updates and rotations to come?

Real Madrid correspondents Guillermo Rai and Mario Cortegana share what they're hearing in their latest weekly column..

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 10:51:32 GMT

How FIFA already made millions on 2026 World Cup tickets before putting them on sale

FIFA has cashed in on the demand for World Cup tickets by simply selling the right to buy them – and it hasn't been the smoothest process..

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 09:30:41 GMT

Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT is a mess. Time and hope are in short supply

USMNT fans can cling to the thought that pre-World Cup struggles don't always correlate to tournament performances..

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 09:00:15 GMT

Real Madrid's Franco chants at the Bernabeu have sparked debate in Spain

A minority of fans at the Spanish club's home ground have sung the chants since Franco Mastantuono's signing this summer..

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 04:20:42 GMT

The Briefing: Wirtz gives Slot a dilemma, Merino's hat-trick, and a poignant moment for Portugal

There was no Premier League action this weekend but there were notable performances from some of its star names on international duty..

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 04:14:56 GMT

Isak, Grealish, Sesko and more: 25 fascinating Premier League player plotlines to follow

There a multitude of storylines to follow when the Premier League returns: here are 25 of the most interesting..

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 04:13:48 GMT

USMNT worse than ever in 21st century, per Elo ratings

The system that is widely considered a better representation of team strength than the FIFA rankings has the U.S. coming in at No. 48..

Sun, 07 Sep 2025 21:49:33 GMT

Everton's WSL evolution: Debutant makes history, squad depth crucial

Everton's strength in depth was crucial to an opening-day victory at Anfield..

Sun, 07 Sep 2025 17:14:18 GMT

USMNT played at home but South Korea fans made it feel like a road game

Another home game, another passionate crowd full of away fans..

Sun, 07 Sep 2025 13:00:57 GMT

Max Dowman draws fouls and plaudits aplenty as the Arsenal teenager excels for England Under-19s

Spain ended up having to substitute their left-back after he resorted to persistent fouls to stop the 15-year-old in Murcia..

Sun, 07 Sep 2025 07:31:21 GMT

In 2025, the line between football and fantasy is more blurry than it should be

In this billionaire’s sporting casino, player welfare needs pushing, perhaps more than the players themselves...

Sun, 07 Sep 2025 04:13:39 GMT

Gianluigi Donnarumma may not feel like a 'Pep player', but neither did Erling Haaland

Donnarumma is the Haaland of goalkeepers. His deficiencies are overplayed. His generational talent somehow continues to be underplayed..

Sun, 07 Sep 2025 04:13:32 GMT

Elliot Anderson offers Thomas Tuchel a solution to England's problematic No 6 role

England's win over Andorra was routine but offered a glimpse into what Tuchel's midfield might look like – and where Declan Rice might play..

Sun, 07 Sep 2025 04:10:37 GMT

Obligations, options and loans: Explaining the Premier League's latest transfer trend

Whether they kick the PSR can down the road or provide an exit strategy for worst-case scenarios, these deals can solve many problems..

Sun, 07 Sep 2025 04:07:25 GMT

The rise of the individual striker coach: 'It's about maximising potential and marginal gains'

Why individual coaches are becoming just as important to a player’s development as those attached to their own club..

Sun, 07 Sep 2025 04:06:22 GMT

In trying to generate squad competition, Pochettino's USMNT is no better off

Mauricio Pochettino recognizes the USMNT's complacency problem, but has proven hooked on trying to solve it with lackluster depth..

Sun, 07 Sep 2025 03:35:56 GMT

Pochettino after USMNT's demoralizing loss to South Korea: 'I think we were better'

The USMNT manager had some curious words in reaction to a 2-0 friendly defeat, as the World Cup inches ever closer..

Sun, 07 Sep 2025 01:05:52 GMT

USMNT 0 South Korea 2: Pochettino's moves no match for Son in limp defeat

The USMNT did little to relieve the pressure on the players and manager Mauricio Pochettino after another defeat to a World Cup-bound foe..

Sat, 06 Sep 2025 23:03:10 GMT

Cristian Roldan goes from vacation to USMNT after pocketing Messi in Leagues Cup

The Seattle midfielder had fallen off the national team picture before this week's dramatic return...

Sat, 06 Sep 2025 12:00:19 GMT

Why do athletes spit so much? Well, there might be a benefit — sort of

Jalen Carter's ejection from Thursday night's NFL game for spitting on Dak Prescott raised a strange question: Why do athletes spit so much?..

Sat, 06 Sep 2025 10:00:02 GMT

Liga F's 'VAR-lite' system and how it works: Two challenges per team, manager cards but long delays

The Spanish women's top-flight has introduced video refereeing this season - with a twist..

Sat, 06 Sep 2025 04:16:48 GMT

No man born in 1976 played for England - and what else birth years tell us about football

Michael Cox looks at how England's football fortunes have been tied to fluctuations in talent generation down the years ..

Sat, 06 Sep 2025 04:15:56 GMT

Man United's summer: Inside Park-Clinton trade, staff exits, depth worries and 'most pressured job in the country'

As the WSL returns, this is the story of Manchester United's summer, who they signed, who they didn't and how ready they are for the season..

Sat, 06 Sep 2025 04:08:53 GMT

Lionel Messi excited but refuses to commit to playing in 2026 World Cup

The World Cup winner is yet to say for certain if he will play in the tournament next summer..

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 21:10:47 GMT

Jonathan David stars for Canada in big friendly road win against Romania

Jesse Marsch's side bounced back to form in impressive fashion..

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 20:15:45 GMT

Luis Suárez and Sergio Busquets suspended for roles in Inter Miami Leagues Cup melee

Miami's clash with the Seattle Sounders turned ugly and led to repercussions...

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 20:01:11 GMT

USMNT's home crowd dilemma is US Soccer's age-old problem

The USMNT has had to tackle a significant problem - getting large crowds on its side for home internationals..

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 14:00:28 GMT

Ismael Koné seeks redemption and opportunity after unwanted viral video moment

One of Canada's key midfield pieces is looking to rebound from testing times..

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 12:00:15 GMT

The Athletic’s Friday football quiz question #71

Can you answer the weekly poser plucked from deep inside The Athletic's trivia vaults?..

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 11:00:19 GMT

Daniel Levy's Spurs departure sees the Premier League lose a main character

Daniel Levy does not leave behind a trail of glory but he will always be the man who took Tottenham Hotspur into the future..

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 09:59:20 GMT

Daniel Levy's shock removal by Spurs - Gibb River review, change in Lewis family relations, what it means for sale

A Lewis family-instigated review by a US firm into why Spurs were performing so badly ultimately led to the removal of its most powerful man..

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 07:18:43 GMT

Real Madrid's midfield enters a new era under Xabi Alonso. Who will step up?

The new La Liga season marks the beginning of a crucial phase in the careers of several midfield options at the Bernabeu..

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 04:20:49 GMT

The BookKeeper: Real reason for Premier League PSR complaints is the 217% rise in costs

Although £1.8billion was made from player sales, continued extravagant spending suggests tighter rules are needed to rein clubs in..

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 04:14:35 GMT

How Ederson transformed conventional wisdom about goalkeeping in the Premier League

In praise of the Brazilian who took risks, created goals and won six titles with Pep Guardiola and Manchester City ..

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 04:09:17 GMT

Football free agents: Who is available and could make a difference this season?

The Premier League transfer window may be shut, but there is still opportunity for clubs to bolster their squads..

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 04:02:49 GMT

Inter Miami's Luis Suarez apologizes for spitting on staffer after Leagues Cup loss

The incident has been widely condemned as yet another act of bizarre behavior from the Uruguayan legend...

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 02:35:13 GMT

Tottenham remove Daniel Levy as chairman after ownership-instigated review

Levy was told on Thursday he would be leaving his position, with Peter Charrington stepping into the new role of non-executive chairman...

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 17:12:51 GMT

CAS rejects appeal to reinstate pro/rel to Liga MX

The appeal was filed by six second division Mexican clubs. Liga MX paused pro/rel in 2020 around the Covid-19 pandemic...

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 16:36:31 GMT

USMNT star Tim Weah doubles down on 'evil' comment about former players turned pundits

Weah refused to back down on his high-profile criticisms of former players now working in the media...

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 16:20:12 GMT

Chelsea confirm Alyssa Thompson signing from Angel City

The United States international was the first overall pick in the 2023 NWSL draft, and has made 16 league appearances this season...

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 15:52:33 GMT

In contrast to USMNT's World Cup approach, Marsch's Canada opts for roster continuity

On the heels of Gold Cup failure, Canada manager Jesse Marsch laid out his approach to building out his World Cup squad..

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 14:47:55 GMT

Alex Morgan's first major business move started with a simple pink headband

Retired USWNT great is one of the most financially-successful women’s soccer players - and it all began with a wrap not meant for hair..

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 14:05:45 GMT

'He demands urgency' - Newcastle's new CEO David Hopkinson in the words of people who know him

The 54-year-old Canadian is described as a ‘perfect choice’ to lead a ‘challenger club’ like Newcastle - this is who he is and what he faces..

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 11:58:22 GMT

How the summer transfer window impacts USMNT's World Cup roster battle

A series of significant moves – and non-moves – will play a pivotal role as the U.S. player pool is whittled down for a home World Cup..

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 11:30:31 GMT

Why World Cup final tickets could cost $6,000. Plus: Hansi Flick blasts his Barca stars

Today in TAFC: Explaining dynamic pricing at the 2026 World Cup and why the FA was slammed in the 314-page Lucas Paqueta verdict..

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 10:49:20 GMT

Women's Super League top questions: Will Chelsea be beaten? Are London City a threat?

Can Chelsea be stopped? Are Leicester City really going to be in trouble? How will Olivia Smith fare? The key WSL questions answered..

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 04:25:30 GMT

Why Hansi Flick locked his Barcelona players in the dressing room after Rayo Vallecano draw

The German manager wanted to address what he considers a major problem with Barca's start to the new season..

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 04:20:40 GMT

Lucas Paqueta ruling explained: FA's poor use of data, Moyes vs analysts, Clattenburg's criticism

The written reasons why Paqueta was cleared of the FA’s four spot-fixing charges ran to 314 pages - we pick out the key bits..

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 04:15:57 GMT

How the Premier League's big beasts clawed back their transfer power

This was the transfer window which reaffirmed that Premier League financial power still lies with the 'Big Six' ..

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 04:13:07 GMT

70 years of the European Cup/Champions League: The best players, numbers and records from the world's biggest club competition

How much has Europe's premier club football tournament changed since it began on this day in 1955?..

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 04:12:57 GMT

The Kroenkes at Arsenal: The rise of Josh, transfer investment, and fan sentiment

Views of Arsenal's ruling family since their 2018 takeover have fluctuated, but their heavy summer investment has created plenty of optimism..

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 04:12:20 GMT

Booting the ball out from kick-off is a worrying trend - this rule change would curb it

Data supports the sides who are blasting the ball out of play… but that doesn't make it right..

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 04:12:12 GMT

Dominik Livakovic's guide to penalties: 'If you save the first, you look twice the size'

Croatia's goalkeeper is an expert at saving penalties. He explains how he does it to Nick Miller.....

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 04:11:36 GMT

Under-the-radar transfers: Ten intriguing deals from this summer's window

Thom Harris looks past the big-name deals that dominated the headlines to unearth some clever moves that you may have missed ..

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 04:10:35 GMT

USMNT's Balogun finally has his chance for a late first impression on Pochettino

Injuries have kept the talented striker out of the picture since before Mauricio Pochettino took charge of the USMNT..

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 17:08:09 GMT

How to buy World Cup 2026 tickets: Prices, dates and everything to know

The 2026 World Cup ticketing process can get a little complex, but we're here to walk you through your route to seeing matches next summer..

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 16:01:40 GMT

FIFA to use dynamic pricing for World Cup 2026 tickets; prices range from $60 to more than $6,000

Details have begun to emerge about how fans can purchase World Cup tickets – and how much it'll cost..

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 16:00:46 GMT

Everton Women's record signing of Ruby Mace follows a 'very stressful few weeks'

Ruby Mace is Everton's ninth signing of the summer and her acquisition feels like a significant one..

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 13:30:04 GMT

Nottingham Forest's Jota Silva missed out on Sporting transfer after deadline missed

The collapsed transfer came amid a significant discrepancy on when Portugal's summer transfer window actually closed...

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 13:13:01 GMT

Streameast, world's largest illegal sports streaming platform, shut down in sting

The network of 80 unauthorised domains generated 1.6billion combined visits over the last year...

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 13:00:28 GMT

What is 'The U.S. Way' for youth players? Plus: The goalkeepers on the way to Manchester

Today in TAFC: Explaining how U.S. are trying to take a unified approach to youth development. Plus: the £3.1bn transfer window...

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 10:32:45 GMT

Inside Alexander Isak's move to Liverpool, the summer's most toxic transfer

The forward’s decision to effectively go on strike may have torched his Newcastle legacy, but it ultimately led to his sale to Liverpool..

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 06:45:43 GMT

Can Leeds, Sunderland and Burnley stay in the Premier League?

The newly promoted teams boast 13 points and four wins between them already, suggesting they might yet buck the top-flight's recent trend..

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 04:14:10 GMT

Evolution not revolution: The impact of squad churn on Premier League performance

A fascination with player trading is understandable – but it is no guarantee of success ..

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 04:09:25 GMT

USMNT's Josh Sargent relishes 'good spot' at Norwich after passing on transfer

Staying put has proven fruitful for Sargent, who leads the EFL Championship in goals at the international break..

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 16:21:19 GMT

Alexander Isak to Liverpool: Everything you need to know

Liverpool have finally got their man - here, we break down the move of the summer...

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 15:48:23 GMT

U.S. Soccer has a new vision for youth development. Implementing it is ‘an astronomical ask’

The "U.S. Way" is meant to kick development into high gear, but the American soccer landscape presents a series of challenges..

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 12:54:46 GMT

The 'slow death' of Vitesse Arnhem. Can the Dutch club once known as Chelsea B be saved?

Years of chaos behind the scenes have cost the club their league place, with fans now waiting to hear if there will be a reprieve..

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 12:27:33 GMT

Barcelona's transfer window: Key spots strengthened, but a painful loss at centre-back

With the transfer window now shut, it's time to take stock. How did Barcelona do in the market this summer?..

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 12:27:15 GMT

Inside Wrexham's record-breaking summer transfer window: £33m spent on constructing a Championship side

After three successive promotions, Phil Parkinson's squad needed a significant upgrade this summer – and that's exactly what it got..

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 12:00:53 GMT

Does it pay to have a tantrum over a transfer? Plus: Why Ten Hag was sacked

Marc Guehi missed out on a move to Liverpool but Alexander Isak forced one through after refusing to play. Does it help to go on strike?..

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 11:10:39 GMT

Introducing The Soccer 100: A celebration of the greatest players in the sport’s history

The Athletic is delighted to announce the upcoming release of The Soccer 100, profiling players from Pele to Puskas, Maradona to Messi..

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 11:00:05 GMT

Real Madrid's transfer window: €180m spent this summer, but should more have been done?

With the transfer window now closed, it's time to take stock. How did Xabi Alonso and company do this summer?..

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 10:01:09 GMT

Inside Man United's transfer window: Ratcliffe's risk-taking, 'Project 90', Amorim's Baleba push, heartbroken Hojlund

How Ratcliffe's aggressive approach to transfer spending shaped United's summer and the players Amorim did - and didn't - get..

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 06:50:25 GMT

How Marc Guehi's Liverpool transfer broke down – thanks to an Oliver Glasner powerplay

One of the transfer sagas of the summer culminated in a frantic final day of the window with Guehi denied his move to Anfield at the last..

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 06:45:59 GMT

Inside Newcastle's transfer window: How 'Rejection FC' fought back to land two strikers and save 'doomed' summer

The story of Newcastle's transfer window, one dominated by Isak and rejection but which ended with a strong finish..

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 06:45:47 GMT

Arsenal's first transfer window with Andrea Berta: Ingenuity, connections and work ethic

Arsenal's new sporting director oversaw a huge summer of investment - this is the story behind how he did it..

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 06:45:10 GMT

Women's Super League: What's new ahead of the 2025-26 season?

From record-breaking signings to new managers and another alcohol trial, this is what's new this WSL season ..

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 04:25:15 GMT

Ranking all 155 Premier League transfers this summer window from worst to best

It has been a record-breaking summer for the Premier League. The Athletic's Tim Spiers has tried to put every signing into ranked order..

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 04:15:59 GMT

The transfer window's maddest moments: Sagas, U-turns and a Jamie Vardy tattoo

This summer has brought us Man United 'bomb squads', a goalkeeper's miss-step and multiple Newcastle and Spurs rejections..

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 04:08:39 GMT

Can Senne Lammens, 23, bring calm to Manchester United's goalkeeping situation?

Senne Lammens has the potential to grow into being Manchester United's long-term solution in goal..

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 21:17:20 GMT

Newcastle United selling Alexander Isak to Liverpool raises deeper concerns about the club's ambitions

It is a matter of record — there in black and white — that this is not ambitious, not what you do for the best of the club..

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 20:29:55 GMT

Understanding Liverpool's record-signing Alexander Isak - 'He was always looking for an opportunity'

This is Alexander Isak, now the most expensive Premier League signing ever: a unique personality, intense but also laid-back and introverted..

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 20:29:55 GMT

Inter Miami seals its villainous turn after Leagues Cup final disgrace

Luis Suárez's spitting incident and a postgame brawl in Seattle turned Inter Miami into full-fledged villains..

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 19:43:15 GMT

Atalanta complete signing of USMNT midfielder Yunus Musah from AC Milan

Musah joins Atalanta in their first season under head coach Ivan Juric, after Gian Piero Gasperini departed for Roma in the summer. ..

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 16:08:28 GMT

FIFA warned of setting 'dangerous precedent' by allowing staging of league matches abroad

La Liga and Serie A are attempting to export regular-season matches abroad this season to Miami and Perth respectively...

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 14:20:04 GMT

Inside Barcelona: Hansi Flick's 'no egos' message, Fermin Lopez to stay, Joan Garcia stands out

A look at the key talking points around Barca right now, including the fallout from a surprise draw with Rayo Vallecano..

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 12:23:48 GMT

Inside Real Madrid: Transfers latest, Ceballos talks and injury updates

Our Real Madrid writers bring you the latest news and inside info in this week's column on all things Madridista..

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 11:49:49 GMT

USMNT Player Tracker: Balogun's timely goal, Pulisic kick-starts Milan and Poch's Big Noon cameo

Our round up of the weekend action also includes Malik Tillman's first Bayer Leverkusen goal and another fine Tyler Adams performance..

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 11:29:11 GMT

Alexander Isak set for £130m Liverpool switch. Plus: Ten Hag sacked by Leverkusen

Today in TAFC: Isak on the way to Liverpool for £130m, Ten Hag sacked by Bayer Leverkusen after just two games...

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 10:46:47 GMT

Liverpool agree Premier League record deal for Alexander Isak. This is why he is worth it

When the deal is done, it will be a new British transfer record, eclipsing the £116.5m that Liverpool spent on Wirtz earlier this summer..

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 04:15:34 GMT

Does Arteta's awful Anfield record matter? Who left transfers too late? Does Jackson saga explain player strikes?

Welcome to The Briefing, where, every Monday, The Athletic will discuss three of the biggest questions to arise from the weekend’s football..

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 04:14:40 GMT

Premier League transfers to watch out for on deadline day

What could get done on transfer deadline day? Follow our live coverage featuring breaking news and analysis..

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 04:10:07 GMT

Transfer deadline day: What time does the window close, and why has it changed?

The summer transfer window closes earlier than usual today, marking an end to the era of completing last-minute deals in the early hours..

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 04:05:20 GMT

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