Former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez was officially announced as the new head coach of the Netherlands national team on Wednesday. Xavi replaces Ronald Koeman, who departed following the team’s elimination in the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup. He becomes the first non-Dutch manager to lead the men’s Oranje team since 1978. The 46-year-old Spaniard has been out of management since leaving Barcelona in May 2024. He recently interviewed with KNVB officials as the federation searches for a successor to Ronald Koeman.”My next step could be a national team. It would suit me, and I want that. I have family.…

One of the most promising young U.S. players will reportedly be heading to the English Premier League. Zavier Gozo is set for a transfer from MLS side Real Salt Lake to Crystal Palace in a deal worth $15 million. The 19-year-old attacking midfielder made the MLS All-Star team this season and has already made 50 career appearances across all competitions for RSL, scoring 10 goals with eight assists. (Photo by David Jensen/MLS via Getty Images) While he has yet to make a senior appearance for the U.S. men’s national team, he was considered for the 2026 World Cup squad. While he wasn’t…

The National Women’s Soccer League will kick off its season earlier than ever before next year to work around the Women’s World Cup in Brazil.NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman gave a wide-ranging midseason State of the League address Wednesday during which she discussed next season’s schedule, the impact of the men’s World Cup and other topics impacting the league.The league’s 15th season will open on Feb. 11, more than a month earlier than this season. The annual Challenge Cup match will be played on Feb. 6. The NWSL will pause from June 24 to July 25 during the Women’s World Cup…

Mateo Kovačić has thrown his support behind Manchester City’s record-breaking summer acquisition, Elliot Anderson, following the midfielder’s high-profile move to the Etihad Stadium. The Croatian international believes the former Nottingham Forest star possesses the necessary attributes to thrive under the tactical demands of new manager Enzo Maresca.Kovacic Excited By Anderson’s ArrivalKovacic has shared his enthusiasm regarding the club’s latest recruitment drive, specifically highlighting the impact he expects from Anderson. The 23-year-old midfielder completed a sensational £116 million transfer from Nottingham Forest after a stellar campaign where he appeared in all 38 Premier League fixtures. His arrival represents a significant statement…

Lionel Messi scored his first two goals since the World Cup and took the career scoring lead in the Leagues Cup as Inter Miami overcame an early deficit to beat Atlético San Luis 4-2 on a rainy Wednesday night.The match at Nu Stadium was delayed 30 minutes in the second half because of lightning in the area.Messi scored in the 11th and the 44th minutes. He has 14 goals in 12 Leagues Cup matches — one ahead of Los Angeles FC’s Denis Bouanga for most in the tournament’s four-year history.Telasco Segovia and defender Micael also scored, and Noah Allen had…

The summer of soccer continues after the best World Cup ever. This time, select teams from Major League Soccer and their Liga MX counterparts will kick off the Leagues Cup in the latest edition of the tournament.Here’s what to know as 36 teams featuring star players like Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi square off in the Leagues Cup. The action begins on Wednesday with a full slate of games, including the Seattle Sounders taking on Toluca (10 p.m. ET on FS1).Which MLS and Liga MX Teams Are Playing? Club America will be one of the Liga MX powerhouses in the Leagues…

Following the announcement of Mauricio Pochettino extending his contract with the U.S. men’s national team, FOX Sports analyst Alexi Lalas shared his perspective on the state of the program and the expectations facing the head coach heading towards the 2030 World Cup.Reflecting on the recent tournament performance, Lalas noted that the job ultimately comes down to winning matches in the knockout stages. “When it comes to Mauricio Pochettino and his job and role, it was to win the game against Belgium, and in that moment, he and this team failed,” Lalas said on his “State of the Union” podcast. Lalas emphasized that…

Clint Dempsey didn’t hesitate.When I asked arguably the greatest American soccer player of all time what the U.S. men’s national team must do to keep its fans engaged and create new ones before the next World Cup arrives in 2030, Dempsey — the USMNT’s all-time co-scoring leader and a FOX Sports analyst during the 2026 tournament — was unequivocal.”Win,” Dempsey told me during a post-World Cup interview. “Score goals, keep clean sheets, get the people excited and out of their seats because you’re fighting for your country, making them proud. I mean, that’s what it’s all about, right?” Right. And…

With its superstar striker Erling Haaland and its fans doing the Viking Row in the stands, Norway was one of the better storylines at the 2026 World Cup.Norway’s Best Moments 2026 FIFA World Cup™ 🇳🇴 The team reached the quarterfinals after last appearing at the tournament in 1998. Spurred by Haaland’s goalscoring prowess, Norway finished second in Group I with wins over Iraq (3-1) and Senegal (3-2) before losing to France 4-1. In the round of 32, a 1-0 win over the Ivory Coast was followed by a 2-1 win over five-time champions Brazil in the round of 16. England…

It wasn’t the World Cup that Germany had hoped for following an early exit in the round of 32, thus stretching its drought of not reaching at least the semifinals to three tournaments. The four-time champions weren’t tabbed to win it all, but there’s always expectations of a deep run for this team. Things started off on the right foot with 7-1 win over debut side Curaçao in their Group E opener. That followed a 2-1 win over the Ivory Coast, but then 2-1 loss to Ecuador to close group stage play set the Germans back. Then it was a loss…