2 h. ago Does US soccer really need four first divisions? The answer isn’t necessarily ‘no’

Men’s and women’s leagues have announced plans for rapid growth. But secession and expansion have long been central elements of US sportsBetween this summer’s Club World Cup, next year’s World Cup, the enduring stature of the US women’s national team, and MLS’s steadily growing stable of teams and star attractions, soccer finally appears to be realizing its vast promise on US soil. Is there a limit to how much soccer America can handle? Several organizations are betting that the answer to that question is “no”. In late April, the National Women’s Soccer League – the oldest and biggest first division professional women’s league operating in the US today – announced plans to launch a second division, despite concerns over the first division’s financial sustainability and the NWSL’s slipping status in a women’s club game increasingly dominated by Europe.That announcement came on the heels of news that the Women’s Premier Soccer League, the longest-running active women’s soccer league i...

Politics

25 h. ago The US men’s national team has more of the last thing it needs: sports dad drama

The continued fallout from Christian Pulisic’s decision not to join the USMNT this summer has exposed the incestuousness of elite soccer in the United StatesThe United States men’s national team need a number of things. Some wins, after losing three straight games from March’s Concacaf Nations League through Saturday’s 2-1 loss to Turkey. A bit of momentum or indeed excitement for next year’s World Cup on home soil. A clear identity, or at least a rediscovery of the kind of grit that once made this team competitive. A goalscorer.The one thing the Americans do not need is another episode of parent-driven drama. But that’s what they have.Leander Schaerlaeckens is at work on a book about the United States men’s national soccer team, out in 2026. He teaches at Marist University. Continue reading...

Events

29 h. ago Rangers announce pre season friendly against English National League side

The match will see a Light Blues XI head to the north east in July

Politics

39 h. ago ‘Play with a smile’: Tuchel challenges England to relax and hit top gear

Head coach thinks players ‘will rise to the occasion’Tuchel wants ‘more fluid’ and ‘more exciting’ footballThomas Tuchel has said England should not have an inferiority complex in relation to the world’s strongest teams but must start playing with a smile to realise their true potential.The England head coach said his side “have not clicked yet” and, as well as criticising the attitude against Andorra on Saturday, believes the performance was too rigid and too serious. England’s labours in Barcelona were put into sharper focus by the quality of Portugal and Spain in the Nations League final the following night. Tuchel, however, insists England are not inferior to those nations and will improve, beginning with the friendly against Senegal in Nottingham on Tuesday. Continue reading...

Events

45 h. ago Cristiano Ronaldo drops hint over future after Club World Cup transfer speculation

Ronaldo has suggested that he is not leaving Al-Nassr despite speculation over his future

Politics

47 h. ago Bruno Fernandes shows true colours as Man United star reacts to Cristiano Ronaldo message

Bruno Fernandes helped Portugal win the Nations League on Sunday night

Politics

47 h. ago 'I made Cristiano Ronaldo cry after his touchline message – but I'm a Premier League flop'

Cristiano Ronaldo helped Portugal win the Nations League final on Sunday, but former Swansea City striker Eder also admitted how he inspired his winning goal at Euro 2016

Politics

50 h. ago Cristiano Ronaldo fires Lamine Yamal warning as Spain star snubs Portugal celebrations

Lamine Yamal has already won five trophies in his career aged 17 and is being tipped for superstardom, but tasted a rare defeat as Spain lost to Portugal in the Nations League final on Sunday night

Events

51 h. ago Cristiano Ronaldo shows true colours over injury nightmare and Roberto Martinez

Cristiano Ronaldo was forced off in the closing stages of Portugal's Nations League final win over Spain, with the forward admitting he was struggling with an injury that he suffered in the warm-up

Events

51 h. ago Gogglebox's Malone family heartbroken as they announce devastating death

Shaun Malone has announced Rottweiler Bob, who often appeared alongside them on the sofa, has died as fans rushed to offer their support to the family

Events

52 h. ago Police issue statement after fan falls from stand and dies during Nations League final

Portugal won the Nations League final against Spain on penalties, but the game has been overshadowed by the tragic death of a supporter, who had fallen from a stand just before both the shootout began

Sport

52 h. ago Cristiano Ronaldo sends clear Lamine Yamal message after winning Nations League duel

Portuguese veteran outgunned the Spanish wonderkid on Sunday in thrilling Munich final

Politics

52 h. ago CR7 fanboys come for Ronaldo Ballon d'OR rival at Nations League Final as Bayern royalty ducks for cover

The incident happened at the Allianz Arena as fans goaded Franck Ribery after his online spat

Sport

52 h. ago Cristiano Ronaldo confirms decision on club future after epic Nations League triumph

Portuguese superstar had been linked with Al-Nassr exit ahead of Club World Cup

Politics

53 h. ago Cristiano Ronaldo finally confirms where he'll play next season after Club World Cup offer

Cristiano Ronaldo has been the subject of transfer speculation this summer as his Al Nassr contract expires in June, but he spoke out about his next move after winning the Nations League

Politics

54 h. ago Supporter dies in fall from stands during Nations League final

Medical personnel, stewards, and police immediately cordoned off the area as the game continued

Sport

55 h. ago Cristiano Ronaldo confirms injury nightmare as he makes Roberto Martinez thoughts clear

Cristiano Ronaldo played through the pain barrier to lead Portugal to winning the Nations League final against bitter rivals Spain, with the skipper breaking down in tears after the game

Events

62 h. ago Portugal win Nations League with penalty shootout victory over Spain

Portugal 2-2 Spain (5-3 penalties): Cristiano Ronaldo netted a second half equaliser before Ruben Neves slotted in the decisive penalty

Events

62 h. ago Spain vs Portugal live: Result and reaction as Ruben Neves scores decisive penalty Nations League final

Portugal 2-2 Spain (5-3 on penalties): Roberto Martinez’s men are the first team to win the Nations League twice

Sport

62 h. ago Portugal vs Spain LIVE: Nations League final result, latest updates and reaction after Selecao win in shootout

Plenty on the line as two European heavyweights meet at the Allianz Arena

Sport