Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third straight time.

Italy is the only former World Cup winner to have missed three consecutive World Cups. On March 31, Italy lost to Bosnia in a qualifying match.

The game went into a penalty shootout, which Italy ultimately lost. Although Italy played a cleaner game, its inability to get good shots cost it.

FIFA ranked Italy No. 13 before the qualifiers. Despite having missed the World Cup two straight times, many fans expected Italy to qualify this time. Only one of Italy’s starters is over the age of 30.

In November 2025, Italy lost a game to Norway. Despite Italy being favored, Norway won comfortably 4-1. After losing in the initial qualifying round, teams move into single-game elimination. From there, a lot of the qualifications needed to make the World Cup are out of the teams’ hands.

Many experts are trying to figure out why Italy keeps failing to qualify. Some people believe Italy isn’t doing enough to develop young talent. Whether that be not investing in youth leagues or Italian leagues like Serie A, signing foreign players over Italian players. 

However, others take a more practical approach. They believe head coach Gennaro Gattuso didn’t do enough to win. He was hired in 2025. It was clear Italy realized that their previous coaches didn’t do enough, but is Gattuso the answer? His performance against Bosnia was criticized, with fans believing he played too conservatively in a win-or-go-home game.  

Gattuso is a former World Cup champion himself. He was a huge part of Italy’s 2006 World Cup win. He made the World Cup All-Star team. Outside of international play, he was also a good player for AC Milan. He played for them from 1999 to 2012 and was inducted into the AC Milan Hall of Fame. 

The United States Men’s National Team now knows its opponents for next summer’s World Cup, set to be held across the country and in parts of Mexico and Canada.

Mauricio Pochettino‘s side will open the tournament against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium, followed by a trip to Seattle to face Australia. The U.S. will conclude the group stage against UEFA Playoff Winner C – the winner of the qualifying playoff to be contested in March between Turkey, Romania, Slovakia and Kosovo.

The draw, conducted at the John F. Kennedy Center on Friday afternoon, featured a variety of notable guests, including Tom Brady, Shaquille O’Neal, Wayne Gretzky, Aaron Judge and President Donald Trump.

Numerous celebrities performed throughout the ceremony, which also included FIFA President Gianni Infantino awarding Trump the first edition of the FIFA Peace Prize.

Mexico will play the first game of the tournament at the Estadio Azteca against South Africa, which is a rematch of the opening game of the 2010 edition that ended in a 1-1 draw. South Korea and the UEFA Playoff Winner D (Denmark, Czechia, Ireland or North Macedonia) are the other teams joining Group A.

North of the border, Canada‘s Group B consists of Switzerland and 2022 hosts Qatar. Jesse Marsch‘s side, like the USMNT, will have to wait until March to learn its other opponent, which will be either Italy, Wales, Northern Ireland or Bosnia & Herzegovina.

Elsewhere, reigning champions Argentina joined Group J alongside Algeria, Austria and debutants Jordan. Last edition’s finalists, France, will face Erling Haaland‘s Norway together with Senegal and the Intercontinental Playoff Winner 2 (Iraq, Bolivia or Suriname).

England will also face Croatia again in Group L, alongside Ghana and Panama. The Balkan nation knocked out the Three Lions in the semifinals in 2018. EURO 2024 winners Spain will face Uruguay, Saudi Arabia and debutants Cape Verde in Group H.

Next year, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to take place in the United States, with Mexico and Canada sharing the hosting honors. With Boston being one of the major U.S. cities involved — and a center for athletic success over the last two decades — there has been major excitement in the area, with 104 games set to be played near Boston, New York, and Los Angeles.

However, last week, President Donald Trump threatened to take away Boston’s hosting honors, claiming the city had recently been “taken over” by civil unrest. The president took several shots at the mayor of Boston, Michelle Wu, calling her “intelligent” but at the same time “radical left,” and further stating that she’s doing a poor job of making the city safe and suitable for the FIFA World Cup.

World Cup hosting sites, however, aren’t dictated by the host cities; those decisions are made by the FIFA soccer committee.

These cities have contracts with FIFA, not with the host country, and the leader of the country in which the tournament is taking place doesn’t have authority over where the matches are held. World Cup president Victor Montagliani went on the record stating, “It’s FIFA’s tournament, FIFA’s jurisdiction; FIFA makes those decisions.”

“Boston is honored and excited to host World Cup matches, and we look forward to welcoming fans from around the world to our beautiful city — the cradle of liberty and city of champions,” Wu said in a recent interview.

The World Cup is set to start on July 11, 2026, in Boston, but with the recent comments by Trump, it seems the location of the tournament could now be in question.

Trump also went on record saying, “If somebody is doing a bad job, and if I feel there are unsafe conditions, I would call Gianni — the head of FIFA, who’s phenomenal — and I would say, ‘Let’s move into another location,’ and they would do that.”

United States women’s soccer legend Alex Morgan officially announced her retirement Thursday, ending a senior career that spanned nearly 16 years. In that time, Morgan led the U.S. to two World Cup victories and an Olympic gold medal, among many other achievements.

“I grew up on this team, it was so much more than soccer,” Morgan said in a statement Thursday. “It was the friendships and the unwavering respect and support among each other, the relentless push for global investment in women’s sports, and the pivotal moments of success both on and off the field.”

In the midst of the United States’ dynastic run in women’s soccer, Morgan joined the national team in 2008 and was the youngest player on the team at the 2011 World Cup. Joining around the same time as Carli Lloyd, Megan Rapinoe and Becky Sauerbrunn, she became an integral part in keeping the program at the highest levels of the sport into the 2010s.

Coming out of the University of California in 2010, Morgan went on to have a successful club career as well, playing for 10 teams in brief stints while also participating in international competition. She has spent her last three seasons with the San Diego Wave, scoring 22 goals in 45 appearances.

Though she participated at the club level throughout her career, Morgan’s most well-known moments all occurred while representing the United States. In 15 seasons, she made 224 appearances and scored 123 goals, earning the title of co-captain in 2018 and held the title with Rapinoe and Lloyd until 2020.

“I am so incredibly honored to have borrowed the crest for more than 15 years,” Morgan said. “I learned so much about myself in that time and so much of that is a credit to my teammates and our fans. I feel immense pride in where this team is headed, and I will forever be a fan of the USWNT. My desire for success may have always driven me, but what I got in return was more than I could have ever asked and hoped for.”

In a sport that is still growing in the United States, Morgan has been an industry leader, a profoundly talented individual who has promoted women’s soccer to aspiring players and fans alike. Soccer in the United States has exploded in popularity since the women’s program’s rise in the early 1990s, and Morgan did her part in propagating that success in a new generation.

The United States men’s national soccer team bounced back from a shocking 5-1 loss to Colombia with a gritty 1-1 draw in a friendly against Brazil Wednesday. Christian Pulisic equalized with free kick goal in the 26th minute and neither team could gain an advantage from that point on.

The U.S. team’s loss to Colombia on Saturday ahead of the Copa America tournament set off alarms for a weary American fanbase. Though the United States has improved since failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, the team is still in the process of finding its identity.

But through Pulisic and goalkeeper Matt Turner, who made 12 saves against Brazil, players seemed to recover well in a solid showing. USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter said that he was encouraged to see the team take the loss to Colombia as a wake-up call.

“We talked to the guys before the game and we just asked two things of them, we asked for teamwork and intensity,” Berhalter said. “And the way we framed it is that they are two things that are totally in their control. Right? It doesn’t matter about the opponent. It doesn’t matter about the field or fans or anything. Those are two things that they can control. And that’s the type of effort that we saw today.”

The United States are not a serious contender in the upcoming Copa America, as teams like Argentina and Brazil are expected to outclass their local rivals. Still, Pulisic’s playmaking ability gives the team a fighting chance against the very best, as he demonstrated when the U.S. advanced to the knockout stage in the 2022 World Cup.

“It’s such an exciting time for our team and for our country,” Pulisic said. “It’s hard not to look forward too much, but we want to show this country that we can compete with the best. And we have the opportunity to do that. We’re going to try to go as far as we can.”

In her final World Cup appearance before retirement, USWNT’s Megan Rapinoe‘s missed penalty kick summarized their painful loss to Sweden 5-4. The United States women’s national team exited in the round of 16 for the first time in its history in Melbourne, Australia.

But Rapinoe wasn’t the only one to miss their penalty kick, as she was one of three U.S. players to miss their penalties in a shootout after the game was scoreless through regular and extra time.

Asked what she was thinking when she stepped up to take her penalty, Rapinoe said: “I’m gonna score. Back of the net. Always.”

“A sick joke,” Rapinoe said. “That’s why I had that smile on my face. Like, ‘You got to be f—ing kidding me. I’m going to miss the penalty?’ I honestly can’t remember the last time I missed a penalty. Not in a game for a very long time.”

“But that’s the way it goes. I’ve definitely thought about that before – it’s always a possibility when you step up there. But I thought I was going to make it. I thought everyone was going to make it.”

Rapinoe correctly remembered that her last missed penalty in general, regardless of country or club, was in 2018, when goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury made a save against her in the NWSL.

Prior to the World Cup starting in early July, Rapinoe announced the Australia and New Zealand tournament would be her last, planning to retire at the end of the 2023 NWSL season making this year’s World Cup her final one.

“I feel so lucky and so grateful to play as long as I have and been on as many successful teams as I have, and be a part of a very special generation that has done so much on and off the field,” Rapinoe said. “It would be hard to feel disappointed in any type of way.”

In 2006, she made her USWNT debut and was part of the World Cup-winning squads in 2015 and 2019.

“Obviously there’s the immediate disappointment of being out of the tournament, but I’m ok. I’m ready in a lot of ways to be done and I feel at peace with that.”

Rapinoe was moved to tears when asked to reflect on her final World Cup and her career.

“I’ve loved every bit of my career,” she said. “I’ll miss it to death, but it also feels like the right time and that’s ok.”

“It’s some dark humor, me missing the penalty at the end of this game,” she added, laughing.

Rapinoe will be known as one of the most impactful figures in the history of soccer in the U.S. and in the global women’s game as an icon. On the turf, she was reputable for scoring in creative ways and had a handful of clutch performances. Her personality defined her game and was a vocal supporter of many social issues including LGBTQ rights, racial inequality, voter rights, and gender and pay equality.

The United States women’s soccer team salvaged a 1-1 tie against the Netherlands in the World Cup Wednesday, ending a 16-game winning streak dating back to February. The U.S. trailed 1-0 following an early Dutch goal but Lindsey Horan responded in the 62nd minute to secure the draw.

Though American players did not appear as sharp as they did in a commanding 2-0 victory over Vietnam to kick off World Cup proceedings last week, the team did well enough to maintain control of the group.

With one win and one draw through two games, the U.S. still shares first place with the Netherlands, good enough to advance to the knockout stage without further setbacks. The Americans will play Portugal in the final group-stage game next Tuesday, August 1.

Though the United States still maintains a 19-game unbeaten streak in World Cup games, the draw is their first since 2015. When Dutch player Jill Roord scored in the 17th minute and the Americans failed to respond after 45 minutes, it was the first time that the team had trailed at halftime since 2011.

The U.S. finally began to challenge the Netherlands in the second half, though the team still failed to capitalize on several opportunities. Shortly before Horan scored the equalizer off a corner kick, she appeared to be fouled by her French club teammate and Dutch opponent, Danielle Van de Donk. Horan delivered a fiery celebration afterward.

In the immediate aftermath of the United States’ draw, many are already considering whether or not the world is finally ready to challenge the Stars and Stripes in women’s soccer. Dutch coach Andries Jonker told reporters before the game that he was eager to test the waters.

“I think the whole women’s football world is very interested in getting an answer on the question: Are we getting close?” Jonker said. “And the feeling is yes because of the improvement all over the world. But tomorrow is the first time we can check.”

Even as Americans reach the end of another dynasty and the rest of the world looks to capitalize, the United States remains the front-runner to win the World Cup, as they did in 2015 and 2019. In such a competitive format, however, it often only takes a single loss.

Danielle Reyna, the mother of USMNT player Gio Reyna and wife of former USMNT captain Claudio Reyna, reportedly informed the soccer organization of coach Gregg Berhalter’s past domestic violence incident because of the coach’s treatment of her son entering and during the World Cup.

The mother brought the incident to U.S. Soccer’s attention in response to a comment Berhalter made at an event in New York on Dec. 11, in which he mentioned a player on the national team who nearly lost his spot due to poor play. The player was later revealed to be Reyna, a promising young forward who had received limited opportunities under Berhalter.

“I thought it was especially unfair that Gio, who had apologized for acting immaturely about his playing time, was still being dragged through the mud when Gregg had asked for and received forgiveness for doing something so much worse at the same age,” Reyna said in a statement Wednesday.

Gio Reyna’s father, Claudio, was also angry over Berhalter’s treatment of his son and complained to multiple U.S. soccer officials during the tournament.

During a call on Dec. 11 with both Claudio and Danielle, Gio’s mother reportedly told a U.S. Soccer executive about the incident, which occurred in 1991 between Berhalter, then 18, and his future wife, Rosalind Berhalter, when they were dating. Danielle and Rosalind were teammates and roommates at the time.

“In the fall of 1991, I met my soulmate,” Berhalter said in a statement Tuesday. “I had just turned 18 and was a freshman in college when I met Rosalind. One night, while out drinking at a local bar, Rosalind and I had a heated argument that continued outside. It became physical and I kicked her in the legs.”

Berhalter went on to explain that the two later reconciled and are now married with four children. He said he felt compelled to address the incident after he was informed that someone was making “an apparent effort to leverage something from long ago.”

“The lessons learned from that night over three decades ago became the foundation for a loving, devoted, and supportive relationship, which we honored and celebrated with our 25th wedding anniversary this past weekend,” Berhalter said.

Danielle Reyna disputed Berhalter’s characterization of the domestic abuse incident, saying that he failed to fully describe the severity of his actions.

“Rosalind Berhalter was my roommate, teammate and best friend, and I supported her through the trauma that followed,” Danielle Reyna responded. “It took a long time for me to forgive and accept Gregg afterward, but I worked hard to give him grace, and ultimately made both of them and their kids a huge part of my family’s life. I would have wanted and expected him to give the same grace to Gio. This is why the current situation is so very hurtful and hard.”

Berhalter’s contract with U.S. Soccer expired on Dec. 31, but the former coach hopes to continue working with the team. After the allegations were brought to his attention, U.S. Soccer Sporting Director Earnie Stewart hired a law firm to launch an internal investigation into the incident. Stewart said Wednesday that he would be open to rehiring Berhalter at the conclusion of the investigation.

International soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed on Dec. 30 that he was signing with Al-Nassr FC, a Saudi Pro League team, for $200 million per year through 2025. The Portuguese forward signed with the team after an underwhelming showing in the World Cup and a months-long feud with Manchester United.

Ronaldo is the latest prominent athlete to join the growing world of Saudi Arabian sports. Most organizations in the country are directly or indirectly controlled by the Saudi government, which has begun offering athletes massive sums of money in an attempt to gain more international recognition. Many Western commentators have given this practice a name: “Saudi-washing.”

From a geopolitical standpoint, critics of Saudi Arabia’s recent athletic ventures argue that the nation is attempting to overcome its history of human rights violations and other totalitarian transgressions by tying its reputation to beloved sports figures and brands. For athletes who receive an offer, however, the debate is more personal. The unprecedented contracts come with obvious strings attached.

Before Ronaldo left his European career behind and accepted the Saudis’ eye-watering proposition, there’s one person who could have given him some direction.

When the Kingdom came to this person, he declined. He’s grappled with the triumphs and trials of greatness. He’s made mistakes. He’s had ego problems. He’s old now. But when it came to his sport, he understood what his name meant and knew what he wanted to stand for.

No one is saying that Tiger Woods is a moral authority. His controversies over the years are exhaustively well-documented. But there’s a distinct overlap between the legendary golfer and Ronaldo.

Both are undeniable stars, athletes so recognizable that they’ve transcended their sports. People don’t have to watch the Premier League or the Masters to know Ronaldo or Woods. They’re the sort of individuals that Saudi Arabia is looking for — and they were more than willing to pay.

In June, reports emerged that Woods declined a deal worth $700-800 million to compete in LIV Golf, the new Saudi Arabian rival of the PGA Tour. He wasn’t the only one to turn them down, but no one else received his offer either. Phil Mickelson signed for $200 million. For Woods, the decision came down to loyalty and an understanding of his self-worth.

By the time LIV came to Woods, he was at a point in his career where he no longer had a need or desire to play golf full-time. As one of the few billionaires in sports, money wasn’t enough of a motivating factor. His values were more important.

By denying the Saudi organization, Woods wasn’t attempting to make a political statement or moral stand against tyranny, though those motivations could have played a minor part. His primary objective was to establish that he was more interested in competition than money, and that the best players competed in PGA Tour events. It was an act of loyalty to an organization he has spent his entire career in.

Some of Woods’ reasonings may have swayed Ronaldo and others probably would not have. Woods plays in an individual sport while Ronaldo was in the midst of a dispute with his Premier League club. He had more reasons to leave the team from a competitive standpoint.

But in terms of money, Ronaldo is in a nearly identical position to Woods, and has made enough as a professional and international player to last several lifetimes. More importantly, however, Ronaldo is as indistinguishable from modern European soccer as Woods is to the PGA Tour.

Even if he wanted to leave Manchester United, remaining in one of the European leagues could have firmly established Ronaldo’s belief in the competitive spirit of soccer within the continent. Instead, he left in what could easily be construed as an attempt to validate his own self-worth.

At the tail end of his full-time career, Woods overcame injuries from a car accident and a tattered reputation to win the 2019 Masters at astronomical odds. He beat the very best players to do it. At the back end of his own career, Ronaldo is making the decision to become the highest-paid soccer player on the planet. His old foes will be a world away.

Representing Portugal at the World Cup, Ronaldo sat on the bench and later at home while Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe ran the table and faced off in the final. After the tournament, Messi turned down a record-breaking offer to play in MLS in the United States, instead agreeing to enter extension negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain. At age 35, he’s proven that he can still compete at the highest level, and he wants more time in Ligue 1. What does that tell you?

French soccer star Kylian Mbappe ran to the stands to apologize after hitting a fan with a shot during warmups for the World Cup semifinal Wednesday. If the fan ever recovered, he would have seen the PSG star make up for it with a 2-0 victory over Morocco to propel France to a finals matchup with Argentina.

In a clip that has now gone viral, Mbappe leapt over a barrier to attend to the unidentified fan, who was wearing red and blue and appeared disoriented in photos after the shot reportedly hit him in the face. France’s star apologized and ensured that he was alright before completing warmups.

In the match itself, Mbappe did not score or directly assist, but his play undeniably made a difference as he pushed a torrent pace on offense throughout the game and simply overwhelmed Moroccan defenders. At 23, he will now appear in the second World Cup final of his career, having been a member of the French team that won the tournament in 2018.

Mbappe’s apology to the fan and subsequent play on the field were not his sole acts of class on the day of his semifinal match. After the game, Mbappe spoke to Moroccan player and fellow PSG player Achraf Hakimi, and the two embraced. On Twitter, Mbappe said that Hakimi should not be upset after the team “made history.”

Arguably the best player in the tournament with five goals in six games, Mbappe has led France to the cusp of a historic achievement. Since the World Cup began in 1930, only two teams have won back-to-back tournaments: Italy in 1934 and 1938 and Brazil in 1958 and 1962.

While Lionel Messi and Argentina are sure to provide a stout challenge to France on Sunday, the team led by Mbappe has been virtually unchallenged at the World Cup thus far, winning five of six games by a combined 13-5 score. Argentina’s path included a shocking loss to Saudi Arabia in the group stage and a win on penalties against Netherlands in the quarterfinal, but the team proved itself to be a championship contender in a resounding 3-0 win over Croatia in the semifinal.

France defeated Morocco 2-0 in the World Cup semifinal match Wednesday, ensuring that Kylian Mbappe will face off against Lionel Messi and Argentina in the final Sunday. A tournament chock full of upsets will ultimately be determined by a game between two juggernauts.

Morocco’s miraculous run to the semifinal included upset victories over Spain and Portugal, but France challenged the team’s highly successful defensive strategy immediately. A goal by left-back Theo Hernandez in the fifth minute put the underdogs behind for the first time in the tournament, and though Morocco’s counterattack led to scoring chances, France ultimately kept the Atlas Lions scoreless on the way to a 2-0 win.

After the game, French star Mbappe tweeted support for Moroccan player Achraf Hakimi, his teammate at PSG.

“Don’t be sad bro, everybody is proud of what you did, you made history,” Mbappe said.

An expected win for France propels the team into a highly anticipated matchup with Argentina, led by Messi in what will likely be his final World Cup appearance. Though many hoped for a final between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, Mbappe will be a different, more challenging foil. Even in games where he has not contributed directly, the speedy 23-year-old has been the catalyst for his team’s offense, scoring five goals in six games.

The stories of these two top players are drastically different. Mbappe has an extremely promising career ahead of him in the European leagues and countless opportunities to win a World Cup with a historically successful French team. Meanwhile, for all his achievements across a legendary career, Messi has never won a championship for Argentina. This run will likely be his last chance.

Beyond the team’s stars, Argentina and France both boast plenty of talent. French players Antoine Griezzman and Olivier Giroud have been just as productive alongside Mbappe throughout the tournament. Meanwhile, Argentina boasts a well-balanced attack behind Messi that has helped the team go from upset losers against Saudi Arabia to a World Cup finalist.

The USA men’s national team never makes anything easy – but there’s certainly never a dull moment.

Nobody could of course forget Landon Donovan’s follow-up strike in 2010 in the final minutes that snatched victory from defeat and allowed the team to continue in the tournament.

Or how about a clutch header from substitute John Brooks with just minutes left against Ghana during the 2014 World Cup opener, which helped USA escape the so-called “Group of Death.”

And it was no different on Tuesday against Iran.

USA was just able to score one goal in the match where Christian Pulisic literally sacrificed his body in the first half to make it happen.

That play turned out to be monumental because the team was holding on to dear life in the final minutes.

And the play that sticks out the most is none other than the loose ball that squirted by goalkeeper Matt Turner in extra time.

It looked like the ball was headed toward an empty net but defender Walker Zimmerman hustled back to clear the ball from danger to help finish the job.

And that’s how USA likes it.

Now, it will move on to play the Netherlands in a knockout round on Saturday and expect no different.

But USA will hope to have a healthy Pulisic, who was subbed out at halftime due to an injury that forced him to stay down for several minutes.

He was taken to the hospital due to a reported abdominal injury.

Pulisic from his bed in a caption claimed that he will “be ready” for Saturday – but there was no update provided on his condition.

The game can be watched on Fox Sports 1 via cable and or through the app.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s release from Manchester United was inevitable, a matter of time after months of divisive conduct between the two sides on and off the field and the star’s bombshell interview with Piers Morgan last week. But the certainty of this falling out is not as important as the timing, as the Premier League spat is certain to affect Portugal in the World Cup.

While every team in the World Cup has its stars, it’s arguable that no single player has had a greater effect on their country’s soccer program in the 21st century than Ronaldo. Since his senior debut at Euro 2004, Portugal has become a mainstay in international tournaments, qualifying for five straight World Cups since.

Though the team has bolstered its roster for this year’s World Cup, much of the program’s offense has run exclusively through Ronaldo for the better part of two decades, and he remains a focal point on the field despite his advanced age.

Off the field, he has surpassed national heroism and now assumes a godly status in his home country, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. This is the problem — Portugal’s god is distracted.

In his personal life, Ronaldo has had to endure genuine hardship this year following the death of his newborn son in April. In his interview with Morgan, he said that the loss was the worst moment of his life and that he still has his son’s ashes. It is unclear how this event has impacted Ronaldo in other areas, but it has undoubtedly compounded with other stresses.

On the pitch, Ronaldo has engaged in a year full of drama with Manchester United. The disputes with the same team that kickstarted his career in the late 2000s have intensified over time from premature exits from games and poorly explained benchings to a bombshell interview in which Ronaldo heavily criticized the organization and manager Erik ten Hag. The club announced Tuesday that it was releasing him and that both sides were in mutual agreement.

Some of Ronaldo’s recent struggles appear to be at least partially self-inflicted while others are completely out of his control, but it is an undeniable fact that it is impacting his mindset entering the World Cup. Any negative impact to Ronaldo’s mindset could hurt Portugal immensely.

In an effort to avoid discussing Manchester United, he skipped a World Cup press conference Wednesday. This is a move that could be viewed in a variety of ways, as avoiding the press could be seen as an attempt by Ronaldo to keep the Premier League drama away from the World Cup or a way to inadvertently highlight it by omission. The ambiguity of the situation only further confirms that the player’s conduct this year is an inescapable distraction for a team trying to win a World Cup.

It’s impossible to know if Ronaldo’s issues away from international play will have a tangible impact on Portugal’s World Cup chances. The team is favored against all three of its opponents in the group stage but has only moved beyond the Round of 16 once since 2006, even with Ronaldo at the helm. Recent developments for the captain only serve as another obstacle for now.

While he competes for Portugal at the World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo’s status at Manchester United will remain in tumultuous stasis following an explosive interview earlier this week. Speaking with Piers Morgan, Ronaldo criticized manager Erik ten Hag and the club and justified his refusal to cooperate several times earlier this year.

“I don’t know what’s going on but since Sir Alex Ferguson left I saw no evolution in the club, the progress was zero,” Ronaldo said.

Ronaldo described his club’s lack of progress in recent years as a “betrayal” and heavily criticized his senior officials and manager ten Hag, especially.

“The coach didn’t have respect for me. So this is why the relationship, it’s in that way,” Ronaldo said.

Back in March, it was revealed that Ronaldo did not have an injury before the Manchester Derby and simply refused to play in the event. His appearances have been increasingly sparse in the months since, and over the summer, he and the club agree that options were explored to move him, though the two sides disagree on who initiated those discussions.

Before stints at Juventus and Real Madrid, Ronaldo kickstarted his career for Manchester United in the Premier League, quickly becoming one of the best soccer players in the world. His return to the team in 2021 was supposed to be a triumphant reunion but has instead soured the relationship, despite his 18 goals in the 2021-22 season.

While Ronaldo’s release from the team has been rumored, such a shocking development for the international icon seems somewhat less likely than a transfer to another team. Over the summer, however, very few teams stepped forward to demonstrate interest in taking on the superstar’s massive contract.

For now, Ronaldo will represent his home nation in Qatar in the World Cup, leaving behind a wake of drama at his usual place of work. It is unclear how recent developments will influence his return to the team after the break. Manchester United is currently fifth in the Premier League with an 8-4-2 record. Ronaldo has started four times.

The head of Qatar’s safety and security committee issued a warning for World Cup fans attempting to sneak alcohol into the country. Drinking in public is illegal in many parts of Qatar and more measures will soon be implemented specifically for soccer fans.

Though alcohol will be available for purchase at hotels, as well as in stadiums through World Cup sponsor Budweiser, all outside alcohol will be strictly prohibited. This is a radical change from past World Cups and also clashes with soccer fan cultures in many other parts of the world. At the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Moscow proprietors were reportedly running out of beer as fans partied before, during and after games.

At a press conference in Doha, Col. Jassim Abdulrahim Al Sayed told reporters that the country was preparing for people to break existing laws in the country.

“There are specific measures,” Al Sayed said. “I think alcohol will not be allowed through the airport and suitcases.

Anyone guilty of public drinking in Qatar under normal circumstances has to pay fines worth hundreds of dollars, and with World Cup fans expecting a typical atmosphere, officials are trying to find a way to protect pre-existing laws while hosting foreign fans. Encouraging fans to enjoy themselves in designated areas seems to be the primary solution.

“There is a misconception about alcohol sales in stadiums and designated zones,” Chief Executive Nasser Al Khater said. “We are working like any other World Cup, like usual.

Al Khater also said that the country was looking to make the event more welcoming for children and families by keeping drinking in certain areas. These restrictions will have an impact on the way many fans enjoy the World Cup, as the country is only providing a semblance of the usual environment, as most alcohol will not be served until 6:30 p.m. regardless of earlier game times.

U.S. men’s soccer and Atlanta United player Miles Robinson was arrested in Atlanta Saturday after refusing to pay for a $5 shot at a bar in Atlanta. Robinson claims that he was racially targeted by the staff, who called law enforcement when he took the shot off a server’s tray and refused to settle his bill.

In an incident report from the Cobb County Police Department, Robinson was released on $150 bond following his arrest on one count of misdemeanor theft by taking. He was also given a criminal trespass warning.

After he was apprehended by law enforcement, police told Robinson that the issue could still be resolved if he paid for the shot. Instead of paying, the Atlanta United defender accused them of taking the word of “the racist bartender” and punishing him unnecessarily over $5. He claimed that the incident, which took place at a bar called PBR Atlanta, occurred because he was the only black man present. PBR Atlanta is near Truist Park, the Atlanta Braves’ home stadium.

After the original disagreement between the staff and Robinson, a bartender reported to management, who in turn contacted the police. It was requested of police that Robinson be “criminally trespassed” for taking the shot.

Atlanta United released a statement following Robinson’s arrest.

“We are aware of a recent misdemeanor arrest involving Miles Robinson,” the statement said. “We are continuing to gather all information related to the incident and will not have further comment at this time.”

Robinson has not personally commented on the incident. The 25-year-old has been considered a rising star in the American soccer scene and made his first MLS All-Star appearance in 2021. Because of an ACL injury that has kept him out of MLS play all season, it is unlikely that he will appear in the World Cup later this year.

It was a joyous scene in Melbourne on Monday night as fans flocked to Melbourne’s Federation Square to celebrate Australia’s qualification for their fifth straight World Cup. The Socceroos defeated Peru 5-4 on penalties to secure themselves a trip to Qatar in 2022.

The scene was captured on camera as ABC reporter Tony Armstrong was caught in the crowd of supporters shortly after Australia pulled through to the World Cup. Fans were seen celebrating in large groups, with one fan even kissing the TV camera in jubilation.

The Australian soccer team was the most recent team to qualify for the 2022 World Cup, with New Zealand and Costa Rica vying for the remaining spot. The Socceroos had been on quite the run earlier in qualification, winning eleven qualifying matches in a row before slumping into a stretch of bad form which put them in two back-to-back playoff spots. Their first playoff win came last week against the United Arab Emirates where an 84th-minute goal by Adjin Rustic helped the Aussies pull off a 2-1 victory.

The affair against Peru was even tenser as the match stood 0-0 after extra time. Australia started off rough in the penalty shootout with Peruvian goalie Pedro Gallese coming up with the save. Australia would go on to net their next five PKs while Peru would cough up on their 3rd and final try. The last one being miraculous save from backup goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne.

Australia has now earned its spot In Group D of the World Cup along with Denmark, Tunisia, and defending World Cup Champions France. Australia has qualified for five straight World Cups but has yet to make it out of the Group Stage since 2006. Meanwhile, Peru misses out on the chance to qualify for back-to-back World Cups after making Russia 2018.

Meanwhile, supporters of Australia’s team have come out in full support of the team, with longtime Australian player Luke Wiltshire telling the media, “People had written them off. They went the hard way, they turned up on the night and performed. We saw bravery and character,” he said.

The World Cup will begin in November 2022.

Despite Wednesday’s 2-0 loss to Costa Rica, the USMNT has qualified for the 2022 World Cup.

Gregg Berhalter’s young team won’t be the most talented once the tourney starts in Qatar, but anything can happen once the games begin.

The team finished third in the standings—avoiding a playoff via goal difference—below group-winner Canada and Mexico.

The team failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup after seven consecutive appearances, so this qualifying is a tad sweeter than usual.

The team had its ups and downs this season—including a frigid game in Minnesota—and averages younger than past teams, but there’s a reason for the phrase: “That’s why they play the games.”

The 2022 World Cup in Qatar kicks off on November 21 and runs through December 17.

Bracing the bitter-cold Minnesota weather, the United States Men’s National Team won a crucial World Cup qualifier on Wednesday against Honduras, 3-0.

Weston McKennie opened the scoring on a header in the eighth minute and Walker Zimmerman doubled the tally before the break as Gregg Berhalter’s team notched three points despite missing Tyler Adams and Chris Richards.

Winger Christian Pulisic didn’t start but made an appearance as a second-half substitute and was responsible for making it 3-0 on a loose ball in the box.

USA, which scored all its goals from set pieces, remained in second place in the Concacaf qualifying table with three tilts left.

Kellyn Acosta, who assisted on McKennie’s header, also had a hand in the second goal; his loft into the box fell to Zimmerman, who turned in front and tucked it away.

“We want to be in the positive [on set pieces] and we think that’s a big advantage that we have, and we haven’t been converting our opportunities,” USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter said. “But looking at the process of it rather than the results of it, we’ve had good opportunities to score, and we just haven’t scored.

“In terms of the process, I’ve been happy with both offensive and defensive set pieces. And tonight we got conversion from it.”

Honduras made a triple change at the half, and one player taken off was starting goalie Buba Lopez, who reportedly had to be treated for hypothermia. Romell Quioto’s halftime exit was also due to complications from the cold, though he was stable after the game.

The win puts the USMNT on the verge of qualifying for the 2022 World Cup ahead of the final three March matches.

Honduras, outshot 16-2, was already knocked out of World Cup contention.

The U.S. team did provide head coverings and heated benches to Honduras, but they weren’t as prepared as the home team, which was outfitted by the Minnesota Vikings.

FIFA‘s “global summit” was held to discuss increasing the occurrence of the World Cup from every four years to every two years. President Gianni Infantino says he believes if a vote was held, the proposal would win the majority vote. The move would generate an additional $4.4 billion in revenue over four years. This change is possible with men and women’s international schedules expiring in 2023 and 2024.

There is no vote scheduled at this time. Speculation is that the vote could take place at the FIFA congress at the end of March, but Infantino will not commit to a date.

“It is about getting the right decisions for football at the end of the day and we will take the time that it takes, to come to this decision,” Infantino said. “I will not commit to anything at the congress. Everything is open and flexible.”

Right now, the South American and European football organizations are not in favor of the biennial World Cup. They want an expanded Champions League, which is currently an annual competition between the top clubs in Europe that includes a round-robin, double-legged knockout and single-legged final. The Confederation of African Football plans to back the biennial proposal.

CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani, who is the head of the north, central and Caribbean association of football, has proposed a different format where the Confederations Cup is brought back with a new qualifying process, rather than having a full World Cup every two years. The Confederations Cup was originally abolished in 2019.

FIFA said that the additional funds from a biennial World Cup would be used to “help reduce the gap in revenues between the developed and less developed football markets.”