National Teams

Record crowd expected in New Zealand for Tuesday's friendly against the USWNT

When the USWNT plays New Zealand in a friendly Tuesday night at Sky Stadium in Wellington, they'll do so in front of a record crowd that foreshadows how the Americans will become the locals' second-favorite team once the World Cup kicks off in July.

Over 10,000 people are expected for tonight's friendly, the first of a two-game series between the Stars and Stripes and Football Ferns with the second match scheduled Friday at Eden Park in Auckland. 

Watch all 11 Puskás Award finalists right here, right now

I don't mean to brag, I don't mean to boast, but if you've been following The18 for the past year then you've already seen all 11 FIFA Puskas Award nominees. We have exquisite taste like that. 

But in case you can't remember the strikes — arriving as early as Apr. 2 and as late as Kylian Mbappé's side-volley against Argentina in the World Cup final on Dec. 18 — here's a trip down memory lane with videos that you can watch right here, right now. I've also included a link to what The18 said at the time.

After failing to make USWNT roster, Mia Fishel opens new season with 2 goals

After winning the 2022 Liga MX Femenil Apertura Golden Boot with 17 goals in 17 games before adding three more in the playoffs during Tigres' run to the title, 21-year-old American Mia Fishel picked up right where she left off Monday night in the opening match of the Clausura: Fishel scored a first-half brace in her side's 6-0 win over Atlas.

Not over yet? Portugal's new coach says he'll ‘sit down and talk’ with Ronaldo

LISBON - Portugal named former Belgium coach Roberto Martínez as their new manager on Monday and the Spaniard said he would sit down with Cristiano Ronaldo to talk about his future in the team.

Martínez, 49, replaces Fernando Santos, who left his job after Portugal suffered a shock defeat by Morocco in the World Cup quarterfinals.

"I appreciate the enthusiasm and ambition with which he (Martínez) received the invitation," Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) President Fernando Gomes told a news conference as Martínez stood next to him.

Mbbapé, Real Madrid slam French football president for ‘disrespecting’ Zinedine Zidane

France Football Federation (FFF) president Noël Le Graët apologized to Zinedine Zidane on Monday after his comments on the former Real Madrid coach drew the ire of players, politicians and even the Spanish club.

Zidane was one of the favorites to take charge of the national team if Didier Deschamps had stepped down but his contract was extended after he led France to the World Cup final, where they lost to Argentina in Qatar last month.

5-time Champions League winner Gareth Bale announces his retirement

Wales and Los Angeles FC winger Gareth Bale said on Monday he had decided to end his playing career at the age of 33, having reached exceptional milestones in both club and international football.

Bale played a Wales record of 111 games for his country and was a five-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid. He helped the Welsh reach the 2016 and 2020 Euros before leading them in their first World Cup since 1958 at Qatar 2022.

Marcos Acuña scores goal right after being honored by Sevilla for winning World Cup

Argentina's victorious World Cup squad members have all gone back to their club sides where they've been given receptions befitting the return of conquering heroes. PSG gave Lionel Messi a guard of honor on Wednesday when he returned to training, Alexis Mac Allister was serenaded by Brighton teammates and Enzo Fernández...

Zinedine Zidane turns down idea to become next USMNT head coach

French outlet L’Equipe reported on Saturday that U.S. Soccer had approached French legend and former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane with the idea of him becoming the new head coach for the USMNT. Gregg Berhalter’s contract has run out and U.S. Soccer is trying to figure out if he will stay for another cycle or be replaced.

Sophia Smith becomes youngest U.S. Female Player of the Year since Mia Hamm

National Women's Soccer League MVP Sophia Smith was voted the 2022 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year, the sport's governing body said on Friday, after scoring 11 goals for the national team last year.

Taylor Twellman leaves ESPN after nearly 13 years giving us an excuse to show his iconic Trinidad rant

Taylor Twellman is leaving ESPN. An iconic and sometimes polarizing figure in the U.S. Soccer sphere, Twellman has been on TV screens for ESPN since Nov. 2011 providing us with his commentary and occasional rant.

Love him or hate him, the former USMNT player has played a big part in growing the game in the country with his work at ESPN.

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