National Teams

England and the United States will come together to show their support for the victims of the abuse scandal that has rocked the U.S. National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) when the countries meet in a friendly on Friday, Lionesses forward Beth Mead said.

An independent investigation this week showed abuse and misconduct "had become systemic" in the American top-flight and that the league, teams and governing body U.S. Soccer failed to adequately protect players.

The final FIFA rankings before the 2022 World Cup were released Thursday, revealing a top five that's largely in line with what the odds makers have for the tournament in Qatar. 

Brazil rightfully holds the top spot and is seen as the favorite after turning its qualifying campaign into a program on Joga TV, while the Seleção's eternal rivals, Argentina, sit third riding a 35-match unbeaten streak.

NYON, Switzerland - Ukraine has joined Spain and Portugal in their bid to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) said on Wednesday, in what they hailed as an act of European solidarity.

They said the decision, announced at a news conference at the Swiss headquarters of UEFA, had the full support of European soccer's governing body and also of the Spanish, Portuguese and Ukrainian governments.

"Our bid is not an Iberian bid anymore, it's a European bid," Luis Rubiales, president of the RFEF, said. 

Ricardo Pepi scored Groningen’s sole goal in a 4-1 defeat to top Eredivisie side AZ Alkmaar on Saturday. This was the second Ricardo Pepi Groningen goal in the club’s previous two games.

Before the international break Pepi scored in Groningen’s game vs. Sparta Rotterdam to end his 345-day goal scoring drought. Despite a poor showing during the U.S. friendly vs. Saudi Arabia, Pepi didn’t let that affect his club form.

MADRID — Spain women's coach Jorge Vilda on Friday left out of his squad the 15 players who have reportedly told the Spanish FA (RFEF) they would quit international duty while he is in charge.

According to sources close to the situation, the players are unhappy with the management of injuries, the atmosphere in the locker room, Vilda's team selection and training sessions.

United States women’s national team head coach Vlatko Andonovski released the 24-women roster that will travel overseas to play England and Spain in a pair of friendlies. The latest USWNT roster had several interesting inclusions like the return of Crystal Dunn and a potential senior debut for 17-year-old Alyssa Thompson.

The overall opinion on Gregg Berhalter and the United States men’s national team has seen a dramatic shift after a heartless loss to Japan and mundane draw with Saudi Arabia. The team looked uninspired and flat, but Berhalter has tried to remain positive.