Latest Football (Soccer) News
Neymar Omitted from Brazil's March Squad by Carlo Ancelotti
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti left Neymar out of the 26-man squad for friendlies against France and Croatia in the US, despite his return to Santos aiming for 2026 World Cup selection. Ancelotti scouted Neymar but noted he did not play in the observed match and offered no further comment.
This exclusion comes after Neymar's year-long ACL injury recovery, with March games serving as auditions for World Cup spots.
Brazil Announces Squad for Key Friendlies vs France and Croatia
Brazil's squad includes new call-ups like Gabriel Sara and Rayan for matches on March 26 vs France in Foxborough and March 31 vs Croatia in Orlando. Ancelotti has reportedly settled on 18 of 26 World Cup players, with Rodrygo's injury opening spots.
The games are crucial preparations ahead of the 2026 tournament.
USMNT Roster Speculation for March Friendlies Against Belgium and Portugal
Mauricio Pochettino is expected to name a strong USMNT roster soon for games vs Belgium on March 28 and Portugal on March 31, both at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Key uncertainties include backup goalkeeper options like Matt Turner or others, amid Matt Freese's starting role.
Sergino Dest is out with a hamstring injury, recovering in 4-6 weeks.
Noahkai Banks' International Future Uncertain for USMNT
19-year-old defender Noahkai Banks, a Bundesliga starter for Augsburg, is undecided between USMNT and Germany despite prior US youth involvement. He is unlikely to be called for March friendlies due to ongoing deliberations.
Banks expressed affection for USMNT but noted Germany's appeal.
USMNT Unveils 2026 World Cup Home and Away Kits
U.S. Soccer and Nike revealed stars-and-stripes jerseys: red-white striped home kit and navy blue star-embellished away kit, inspired by the American flag. For the first time, all 27 US national teams will share the same crest and design.
Kits debut in March friendlies vs Belgium and Portugal in Atlanta.
USMNT Kits Designed with Player Input for World Cup
Players contributed via workshops on details like fabric, seams, and fit for the unified 2026 kits across men's and women's teams. U.S. Soccer's Dave Wright emphasized national pride in the shared crest.
The kits build excitement for the home World Cup co-hosted by US, Canada, and Mexico.
USMNT Prepares for World Cup with Atlanta Friendlies
USMNT faces Belgium on March 28 and Portugal on April 1 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium as key prep for 2026 World Cup. Their opener is June 12 vs Paraguay at SoFi Stadium.
Coach Pochettino eyes roster stability for the tournament.
Swiss Super League: FC St. Gallen vs FC Lugano Live on March 17
FC St. Gallen (2nd, 58 GF) hosts 3rd-placed FC Lugano (46 GF) at kybunpark on March 17 at 6:00 PM local time. St. Gallen leads scoring with Alessandro Vogt's 14 goals; Lugano's Kevin Behrens has 12.
Recent form shows mixed results for both sides.
Ancelotti's Brazil World Cup Core Nearly Set
Carlo Ancelotti has locked 18 of 26 Brazil players for 2026 World Cup, per February reports, with March friendlies as final trials. Rodrygo's ACL injury creates opportunities for others.
Neymar's absence highlights focus on current form.
USMNT Tyler Adams Nears World Cup Readiness Post-Injury
USMNT midfielder Tyler Adams is recovering from injury and preparing for the 2026 World Cup. This aligns with broader team build-up including new kits and friendlies.
His readiness bolsters squad depth.
USMNT Selects Irvine, California as 2026 World Cup Training Base
The USMNT has chosen Irvine, CA, as a training base for the upcoming World Cup. This strategic decision supports preparations amid kit unveil and international matches.
It enhances logistics for the home tournament.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Kicks Off with Mexico vs South Africa
The 2026 World Cup opens June 11 at Estadio Azteca with Mexico hosting South Africa. USMNT follows on June 12 vs Paraguay at SoFi Stadium.
Global excitement builds with national team updates.