Prodigies

Best is yet to come from USMNT, but exposed shortcomings must be resolved before 2026

DOHA - A fresh-faced United States squad arrived in Qatar with modest expectations and although they may leave with a sense of disappointment after another last-16 exit, their performances offered hope of a longer run when they co-host the 2026 tournament.

After an encouraging group campaign, a young team brimming with confidence entered the knockout phase believing they could deliver another plot twist in a tournament where underdogs have consistently punched above their weight.

After playing on both sides, American teen Yunus Musah looking forward to ‘special clash’ vs. England

AL RAYYAN, Qatar - A slightly different career path could have seen Yunus Musah lining up alongside fellow 19-year-old Jude Bellingham for England against the United States on Friday. He could even have been playing for Ghana against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal on Thursday.

Instead, the teenaged midfielder will pull on the United States shirt for the 20th time in Friday's World Cup Group B clash in Al Khor when his side will try to spring a major upset.

The youngest players at the 2022 World Cup

When you think about the youngest player to have participated in a World Cup, there is a big chance that the name of Pelé will pop up in your head. And the guess is reasonable. The Brazilian wonder debuted in Sweden 1958 at 17 years and 234 days. However, in the all-time ranking, Pelé is fifth and far from the record holder, Norman Whiteside. 

The making of Weston McKennie: How America's most unique talent reached the top — and the team behind the scenes who helped him along the way

Weston McKennie is one of soccer's most unique talents. Even on the world's biggest stage, the 24-year-old American stands out in the middle of the pitch with his all-action style, covering every blade of grass, arriving first to every contested ball and occasionally looking like a one-man midfield out there.

But Weston would be the first to admit that his meteoric rise to playing for Italy's biggest club and representing his country on the world’s stage is grounded in the help, commitment and sacrifice of teammates, family, friends, and coaches.

19-year-old American Paxten Aaronson transfers to Bundesliga for $4 million plus add-ons

The Philadelphia Union agreed to transfer homegrown midfielder Paxten Aaronson on Thursday to German side Eintracht Frankfurt of Bundesliga for a multimillion-dollar transfer fee.

The Union will also retain a percentage of any future transfer fees for Aaronson, who will join Frankfurt in January.

USWNT gets revenge with thrilling comeback win over Germany

Staring at an unprecedented fourth straight defeat after Jule Brand had given Germany an early lead at Red Bull Arena in New Jersey on Sunday night, the USWNT's misfiring forwards sprang to life in the second half with two goals in a two-minute span to get the squad back on track.

18-year-old Alejandro Garnacho cements status as Man Utd's next big thing with late winner

LONDON - Alejandro Garnacho came off the bench to score a stoppage-time winner for Manchester United as they beat Fulham 2-1 at Craven Cottage in their final Premier League game before the World Cup break on Sunday.

Christian Eriksen, who is set to play for Denmark at the World Cup, scored the opener in the 14th minute, sliding in at the far post to steer the ball home after Anthony Martial and Bruno Fernandes combined cleverly to create the chance.

Ricardo Pepi responds to World Cup snub with another goal in the Eredivisie

A lot of people were left hurting by Ricardo Pepi's snub from the final 26-man USMNT World Cup roster.

The 19-year-old from El Paso, TX, is a hugely likable talent who came up clutch in qualifying with three goals, including the go-ahead strike on the road in Honduras and a brace against Jamaica. What worked against Pepi is that those three goals were all registered in back-to-back games over a year ago.

Fastest footballers in the world: Meet the 21-year-old Ukrainian wanted by Arsenal

Who are the fastest soccer players right now? UEFA has just released its study of top speeds throughout the 2022-23 Champions League group stage, and the main takeaway is that speed does in fact kill.

The list for the 10 fastest players in the world's premier club competition is loaded with many of today's most exciting footballers: AC Milan's Rafael Leão, Real Madrid's Federico Valverde, Bayern Munich's Alphonso Davies and Barcelona's Ousmane Dembélé.

A viral goal from the All Japan High School Soccer Tournament? You know the drill

It's become an annual tradition unlike any other here at The18. Every winter the All Japan High School Soccer Tournament comes around and, like clockwork, drops the highlight of the year.

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