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Cup

Tottenham coach speaks out after photos of him consuming from Arsenal-branded cup spark outrage

by Soccer-News January 8, 2026

written by Soccer-News

boss is dealing with scrutiny after being pictured with an Arsenal-branded cup earlier than their dramatic 3-2 Premier League defeat at .

Frank stated it will have been “fully silly” to knowingly drink from it, however the gaffe sparked outrage amongst ’ disgruntled fanbase.

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Additional strain mounted on Frank as Antoine Semenyo fired dwelling a dramatic added-time winner for Bournemouth.

Leaders Arsenal – Tottenham’s bitter north London rivals – have been the earlier guests to the Vitality Stadium, having celebrated a 3-2 success on the floor on Saturday.

“I positively didn’t discover it,” Frank stated of the cup.

“I believe it’s honest to say we’re not profitable each single soccer match so it will be completely, fully silly of me to take a cup with Arsenal’s (emblem on).

“They’ve been within the altering room the sport earlier than us. It’s regular to take a cup, give me an espresso, I try this earlier than each recreation, so I believe really it’s a bit of bit unhappy in soccer that I have to be requested a query about that.

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“We’re positively going within the unsuitable course if we have to be fear about me having a cup with a emblem of one other membership. After all I might by no means try this. That’s extraordinarily silly.”

Frank with the cup earlier than the match (Andrew Matthews/PA Wire)

Joao Palhinha’s bicycle kick regarded set to earn Frank a reprieve after first-half objectives from Bournemouth duo Evanilson and Junior Kroupi overturned Mathys Tel’s early opener.

However Cherries star Semenyo, who’s on the verge of a £65million transfer to Manchester Metropolis, smashed dwelling his tenth purpose of the season within the fifth minute of added time.

The loss left Tottenham with simply two wins from their final 12 top-flight video games and prompted heated exchanges between travelling followers and gamers at full-time.

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“I believe it’s honest to say everybody concerned in Tottenham, it’s a troublesome one to take right now,” stated Frank.

“Hopefully everybody can see how onerous we labored to get every little thing in the best course.

“General the efficiency was good, particularly the second half, in a recreation the place we deserved to get extra.

“That’s extraordinarily painful to be a part of, so after all persons are pissed off – that’s pure.

Antoine Semenyo celebrates scoring the profitable purpose for Bournemouth (Andrew Matthews/PA)

“It’s very powerful to sit down right here proper now and we haven’t acquired something out of total a very good efficiency.”

Bournemouth’s victory ended an 11-match winless run.

Semenyo, who was celebrating his twenty sixth birthday, was given a standing ovation when he was substituted moments after his winner earlier than being serenaded by dwelling supporters following the fairytale ending.

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Boss Andoni Iraola stated: “He deserved this second; I’m joyful soccer has given him this second he won’t neglect.

“It’s not simple to do what he has carried out (play towards Arsenal and Tottenham amid talks with Metropolis) as a result of a variety of the gamers would have acted in a different way.

“He’s by no means discovered excuses. He was prepared to offer no matter we wanted.

“We’ve pushed loads to maintain him till the final second right here and it’s honest he leaves with the sensation he has had on the finish: with the substitution, with the reception of the supporters. He has earned all this.

“I’m very joyful for him as a result of he’s a high participant however particularly a high particular person.”

January 8, 2026 0 comments

Premier League

An Arsenal espresso cup and extra ache for under-pressure Frank

by Soccer-News January 8, 2026

written by Soccer-News

You’ll have thought issues couldn’t have gotten a lot worse for Thomas Frank after watching his Tottenham aspect fall to an agonising .

It was one other damaging end in a season that has introduced loads of frustration for the Spurs devoted, with their membership now 14th within the Premier League after solely two wins in 12 matches.

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However then got here the picture that added to the stress on Frank.

Earlier than kick‑off on Wednesday night time, he was photographed strolling across the Vitality Stadium with a espresso cup emblazoned with Arsenal branding – an odd alternative in case you are the supervisor of a membership that shares a fierce rivalry with the Gunners and present league leaders.

With the Dane already struggling to win over sad Spurs supporters since changing Europa League-winning Ange Postecoglou in the summertime, it was an incident that invited ridicule and left him underneath extra scrutiny.

“I positively didn’t discover it,” mentioned Frank afterwards. “It will be utterly silly of me to take it if I knew.

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“It is somewhat bit unhappy in soccer that I should be requested about it. I’d by no means do one thing that silly.

“I believe we’re positively going within the unsuitable route if we have to fear about me having a cup with a brand of one other membership.”

BBC Sport understands Frank was handed his customary espresso on his arrival on the stadium by a employees member within the cup which was introduced by Arsenal, who performed at Bournemouth solely 4 days earlier.

Neither Frank nor a employees member noticed the Arsenal crest on the cup till it was too late.

However the unlucky flip of occasions at Bournemouth was too straightforward for followers and critics to latch on to after Spurs did not construct on one other optimistic begin – identical to they did in opposition to Sunderland on the weekend the place they had been held to a 1-1 draw.

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Mathys Tel scored inside 5 minutes to provide Frank’s aspect a dream begin, however Bournemouth hit again to steer via Evanilson and Eli Junior Kroupi.

Joao Palhinha made it 2-2 with 12 minutes left, nevertheless, it was the Cherries who collected the three factors because the departing Antoine Semenyo struck a dramatic winner 5 minutes into added time.

How unhealthy have Spurs been underneath Frank?

Tottenham are 14th within the Premier League after 21 video games – the very same place at this stage final season, earlier than Postecoglou appeared to prioritise the Europa League as an alternative.

They had been eight factors above seventeenth – the place they finally completed – however are solely six above Nottingham Forest in that place now.

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Solely 4 groups have had fewer pictures this season than Spurs, though they’ve been medical, with their 30 targets higher than eight different groups.

In addition they rank sixteenth for touches within the opposition field, however high one other undesirable stat – errors resulting in pictures (25).

And their newest defeat will additional damage Frank, whose future has come into query.

“That may be very, very tough, actually painful,” he advised Sky Sports activities.

“I believe the gamers put in all the pieces. To concede a objective 5 minutes into added time is simply so painful. It’s totally, very onerous to take.”

“Frank appears to be like shattered,” former Newcastle and Manchester Metropolis goalkeeper Shay Given advised BBC Radio 5 Dwell.

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“Luggage underneath his eyes, he appears to be like careworn – that’s what administration does to those guys.

“He cannot go residence and put his head on the pillow and get an excellent eight hours of sleep, he might be tossing and turning all night time, pondering of the subsequent coaching session, the subsequent recreation.”

‘Followers are damage and it is completely pure’

Tottenham followers have made their frustrations clear on a number of events this season.

They chanted “boring, boring Tottenham” in the course of the goalless draw in opposition to Frank’s former aspect Brentford final week, whereas the gamers had been additionally booed off after the Sunderland draw.

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And after the ultimate whistle at Bournemouth, Palhinha and defender Micky van de Ven exchanged phrases with the travelling Tottenham devoted, following additional jeers and feedback aimed on the staff.

Full-back Pedro Porro additionally needed to be talked into stopping an argument with the supporters by goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.

“I believe the travelling followers had been wonderful and so they supported us all through the sport,” mentioned Frank.

“The gamers are annoyed, I am annoyed.

“We’re all damage, the followers are damage. That is completely pure. That is why soccer is emotional. It is simply very painful for everybody concerned with Tottenham.”

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Midfielder Palhinha, who’s on a season-long mortgage from Bayern Munich and scored a shocking overhead kick in opposition to the Cherries, added: “The followers are displaying their frustration and we perceive that.

“We are attempting to get victories we must always deserve for my part. It is powerful to talk quite a bit about momentum as a result of whenever you lose it simply seems like phrases.

“I simply wish to say maintain supporting as a result of the victories will come. It is frustration as I mentioned. I felt we had been the very best staff on the pitch.”

Richarlison hit the woodwork and Van de Ven was denied by a superb Djordje Petrovic cease, however the truth is Spurs are usually having fewer pictures than ever underneath Frank.

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Their 16 possibilities in opposition to the Cherries took their season common for pictures per Premier League recreation as much as 10.2 – however that’s nonetheless their lowest common than in any season on document from 1997-98.

Regardless of ending simply exterior the relegation zone within the earlier marketing campaign, their common was 13.

“We had been the one staff on the pitch that needed to win the sport,” mentioned Palhinha.

“Soccer is like that. Tomorrow is one other day. We have to maintain pushing. We’ve got been working onerous to get wins.

“At this time and tomorrow in all probability the hangover goes to be actually powerful, however in soccer we can’t assume an excessive amount of about what occurred.”

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“To lose within the final minute like they did, they’ll really feel onerous accomplished by,” former England midfielder Danny Murphy advised BBC Sport.

“There are video games Tottenham have misplaced this season the place they’ve performed poorly and deserved to lose. At this time was a lot better, however I do not know what solace that’s for the Tottenham supporters for the time being.”

It is not going to get simpler for Frank or Spurs, with an FA Cup third-round tie in opposition to in-form Aston Villa on Saturday earlier than a house derby in opposition to relegation-threatened West Ham within the league on 17 January.

January 8, 2026 0 comments

Soccer News

2026 World Cup: 10 USMNT gamers with essentially the most to realize this winter

by Soccer-News January 8, 2026

written by Soccer-News

The U.S. males’s nationwide soccer staff is now in a World Cup yr, which implies gamers angling for a spot on Mauricio Pochettino’s 26-man squad. First, although, they’ll intention to get themselves on the roster for the March friendlies in opposition to Belgium and Portugal in Atlanta.

A call-up to the final coaching camp earlier than Pochettino selects his World Cup staff in late Might won’t include summer season ensures. Nor will lacking out in March preclude choice to the match.

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Over the following two-plus months, although, Pochettino and his employees will maintain a detailed eye on membership performances earlier than sending out invites. Barring damage, a lot of the regulars are assured of creating the checklist. A number of candidates, nonetheless, would bolster their case with robust recitals in European leagues, Main League Soccer and Mexico’s Liga MX.

Listed below are 10 gamers with essentially the most to realize:

PSV Eindhoven ahead Ricardo Pepi continues to make a case for inclusion on the USMNT’s 2026 World Cup roster.

(NurPhoto through Getty Pictures)Ricardo Pepi, PSV Eindhoven

Again in PSV Eindhoven’s beginning lineup and effervescent with confidence, the Texas-born striker is poised to maneuver up the U.S. depth chart. With Pepi out of the U.S. image till the top of 2025 — as a result of accidents and membership taking part in time — Monaco’s Folarin Balogun strengthened his top-man standing and Coventry Metropolis’s Haji Wright proved a worthy back-up.

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Pepi, who will flip 23 on Friday, is in nice type with targets in 5 of his previous six PSV appearances and 5 targets and two assists within the seven matches earlier than the winter break. Throughout all membership competitions, he has 10 targets and three assists in 21 video games. He’s additionally a sizzling commodity on the switch market, with PSV reportedly turning down a $35 million provide from Premier League aspect Fulham.

Gio Reyna, Borussia Mönchengladbach

The enigmatic midfielder bolstered his U.S. standing with very good performances within the November window — his first call-up since March. However to assist stay in Pochettino’s good graces and keep within the World Cup combine, the 23-year-old should proceed incomes begins for Mönchengladbach, the Bundesliga membership he joined from Borussia Dortmund over the summer season.

A sub a lot of the first a number of months, Reyna began the final 4 matches earlier than the winter break and obtained blended opinions. He has but to document a objective or help this season.

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Noahkai Banks, FC Augsburg

Although he has by no means performed for the U.S. staff, the 19-year-old heart again stays an intriguing character because the World Cup approaches. The Hawaiian-born German American obtained his first senior call-up in September however didn’t get into both pleasant. Having began nearly each sport since early October for Augsburg within the Bundesliga, Banks shouldn’t be missed.

Pochettino’s heart again corps will not be set in stone. He has used Crystal Palace’s Chris Richards, Charlotte’s Tim Ream, Cincinnati’s Miles Robinson, Toulouse’s Mark McKenzie and Celtic’s Auston Trusty. (Toronto FC’s Walker Zimmerman and Vancouver’s Tristan Blackmon are additionally within the pool, and Celtic’s Cameron Carter-Vickers is recovering from an Achilles’ tendon damage.)

Johnny Cardoso, Atlético Madrid

If relying solely on his membership portfolio, the 24-year-old heart midfielder must be a U.S. common. Up to now two years, he has moved from Brazil’s Internacional to Spain’s Actual Betis and attracted curiosity from England’s Tottenham Hotspur earlier than leaping to Atlético Madrid final summer season on a $35 million switch.

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However accidents have hampered his ascent and, oddly, he has by no means performed very properly for the nationwide staff. His most up-to-date appearances, within the June friendlies in opposition to Turkey and Switzerland, had been forgettable. Common assignments with Atletico would possibly earn him one final likelihood with Pochettino.

Patrick Agyemang, Derby County

The 6-foot-4 Connecticut native took a little bit of danger final summer season by leaving a sure function in MLS for the uncertainties of the English Championship. Had he sat on Derby County’s bench, Agyemang would have misplaced all World Cup hope.

However he has tailored properly, recording six targets and three assists in 19 begins, together with a two-goal effort in opposition to Sheffield Wednesday final month. An excellent run over the following two months would maintain him in competition for a March call-up.

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Alex Zendejas, Membership América

The one Liga MX candidate underneath severe consideration, the intelligent, Mexican-born winger has been terrific for Membership America and proven flashes of brilliance for the nationwide staff. His volleyed objective in opposition to Japan in September was all class. Nevertheless, he withdrew from the October camp with a knee damage and wasn’t known as up a month later.

Luca de la Torre, Charlotte F.C.

Lowered taking part in time in San Diego final season broken his U.S. standing, however with a transfer to Charlotte this offseason, the 27-year-old central midfielder with 32 caps might reenter the dialog. Like most MLS gamers, although, he won’t have a lot time to make his case: The common season doesn’t begin till Feb. 21.

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Yunus Musah, Atalanta

As soon as a mainstay within the U.S. lineup – 47 caps earlier than he turned 23 – the versatile Musah has pale from the scene for the reason that Nations League finals final March. After becoming a member of Atalanta on mortgage from AC Milan in Serie A this season, he has been used nearly completely as a sub. His minutes have picked up not too long ago, hinting at a bigger function down the stretch.

Josh Sargent, Norwich Metropolis

Whereas Pochettino and U.S. followers have all however given up on the Norwich Metropolis striker, there’s all the time that chance Sargent goes on a loopy scoring surge. In spite of everything, he has scored 52 targets the previous 3 ½ years in England’s second division. Even when he did go wild, although, there’s little religion in a U.S. uniform: He hasn’t scored for his nation since November 2019.

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Damion Downs, Hamburg

Generally a change of surroundings does wonders, and within the case of this 6-foot-4, 21-year-old striker with six caps, this week’s transfer to Hamburg on mortgage from Southampton might do the trick. He began as soon as within the English Championship and hadn’t performed since Nov. 25.

January 8, 2026 0 comments

LALIGA

📊 Barça star follows in teammate’s footsteps with Spanish Cup show

by Soccer-News January 7, 2026

written by Soccer-News

Barcelona star Fermín López is following in his teammate’s footsteps with a scintillating first-half show towards Athletic Membership within the semi-finals of the Spanish Cup.

After helping twice of their final La Liga outing towards rivals Espanyol, the 22-year-old was in wonderful type as soon as once more because the Catalan giants confronted one other of their rivals within the final 4 of the Spanish Cup.

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Hansi Flick’s facet take a cushty 4-0 lead into the second-half, with the likes of Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, Marcus Rashford and Dani Olmo nonetheless on the bench.

López assisted Ferran Torres for Barcelona’s opening aim within the twenty second minute earlier than getting on the scoresheet himself lower than 10 minutes later.

In doing so, López turned the second youngest participant to each rating and help in a Spanish Tremendous Cup semi-final, after his Barcelona teammate Gavi did so towards the identical opposition final 12 months.

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López did not cease there, nonetheless, as he assisted as soon as once more, this time for Roony Bardghji, because the hosts prolonged their result in three.

Raphinha then rounded off a stellar first half for Flick’s facet to make it 4 earlier than the break.

Absolutely there is no such thing as a means again for Athletic Membership from right here?

📸 Yasser Bakhsh – 2026 Getty Pictures

January 7, 2026 0 comments

Bundesliga

USMNT’s $9 Million Teen Poised for Bundesliga Transfer Earlier than 2026 World Cup

by Soccer-News January 7, 2026

written by Soccer-News

Mauricio Pochettino must resolve sooner fairly than afterward his squad record for the U.S. males’s soccer nationwide staff forward of the 2026 World Cup.

One of many gamers who could possibly be referred to as up is shut to creating an essential switch transfer to go away England and return to the German Bundesliga.

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Based on The Athletic, striker Damion Downs has attracted the curiosity of some Bundesliga golf equipment after not with the ability to totally adapt to Championship aspect Southampton.

Downs, 21, left FC Koln in the summertime of 2025 and signed with the English membership for roughly $9.4 million. Since then, he has performed 14 matches along with his new staff, however has not but been capable of rating a aim.

Particularly, the membership fascinated by Downs is Hamburg.

Damion Downs of Southampton through the Sky Wager Championship match between Southampton and Leicester Metropolis at St Mary’s Stadium on November 25, 2025, in Southampton, England. Picture by Matt Watson/Southampton FC by way of Getty Photographs

Bundesliga Membership Hamburg In USMNT Ahead Damion Downs

“Bundesliga membership Hamburg are near an settlement to signal USMNT striker Damion Downs on mortgage from Championship membership Southampton,” started explaining the cited outlet.

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Based on the report, the transfer could be a mortgage with an possibility to purchase on the finish of the present season.

“The 21-year-old has struggled for sport time this season, solely taking part in 14 video games for the membership in all competitions and making simply two begins,” . “He has failed to attain in any of his appearances and totaled simply 404 minutes. Downs has not performed for the English second-tier aspect after sustaining an undisclosed harm in late November.”

Though Downs had some appearances with German youth groups, in the long run, he determined to symbolize the USA on the worldwide degree, incomes his first call-up final Could.

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Downs debuted with Group USA in June 2025 in a match in opposition to Switzerland and was a part of the squad that performed the final version of the Gold Cup.

This story was initially printed by on Jan 7, 2026, the place it first appeared within the part. Add Athlon Sports activities as a

January 7, 2026 0 comments

LALIGA

Actual Madrid defender unlikely to return till February regardless of inclusion in Tremendous Cup squad

by Soccer-News January 6, 2026

written by Soccer-News

Actual Madrid flew to Saudi Arabia as we speak as they get set to compete for his or her first trophy of the season within the Spanish Tremendous Cup.

The Merengues will lock horns with Atletico Madrid on Thursday within the second semi-final and can hope to make it to the ultimate on Sunday, the place they may face one among Barcelona or Athletic Membership.

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for the match earlier as we speak, with Kylian Mbappe being not noted of the squad to recuperate from harm.

Dani Carvajal made his return after greater than two months out, whereas fellow right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold has additionally been included in squad in a shock transfer.

Trent is not going to play

Nevertheless, regardless of his inclusion within the squad, Trent Alexander-Arnold is not going to be able to play within the Spanish Tremendous Cup, stories .

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The truth is, the 27-year-old England worldwide will not be anticipated to make his comeback till February. His inclusion within the squad is just in order that he can proceed his restoration from harm whereas being within the group dynamics in Saudi Arabia.

Trent is not going to return till subsequent month. (Picture by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Pictures)

Trent has been out of motion since early December resulting from a muscle tear and has been tipped to be out for at the very least two months.

It has been a tough debut season for the England right-back, who had already missed a string of matches earlier within the marketing campaign resulting from hamstring harm.

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Now, regardless that he has been named within the squad for the Tremendous Cup, there may be zero chance of him taking part in in Jeddah this week.

As an alternative, the plan is for Trent to make his comeback someday in February, with no actual date set for his return to happen.

Thus far this season, Trent has performed solely 11 matches throughout all competitions, registering a solitary help within the course of.

January 6, 2026 0 comments

Champions League

Barcelona defender heading in the right direction to return however unlikely to be prepared for Tremendous Cup semi-final

by Soccer-News January 6, 2026

written by Soccer-News

It has been over a month since Ronald Araujo final performed for FC Barcelona. Following the defeat to Chelsea within the UEFA Champions League in November, the place he was despatched off within the first half, the Uruguayan opted to take a psychological well being break.

Having been away from the squad for a month, the second captain resumed coaching with the remainder of the group on 29 December, proper after the mid-season break.

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However Araujo was not able to return to motion for Barcelona’s first recreation of the brand new 12 months in opposition to RCD Espanyol.

And, in line with , this can be very unlikely that the defender will likely be able to face Athletic Membership within the Spanish Tremendous Cup semi-final tomorrow.

Barcelona taking issues step-by-step

At first of final week, when Araujo resumed coaching, Barcelona and Araujo agreed to .

In any case, not like different accidents, the place a roughly clear return date may be estimated, this can be a distinctive case. Right here, all the things have to be assessed daily, with no stress in any respect, permitting the participant to resolve when he feels prepared.

Taking issues step-by-step. (Picture by Stuart Franklin/Getty Photos)

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After his continued coaching, the following step for Araujo was , which has now been taken.

That mentioned, Araújo’s inclusion within the travelling celebration doesn’t imply that he’ll already be accessible to Flick for the semi-final in opposition to Athletic Membership.

In actual fact, in precept, and topic to the day-by-day monitoring, his presence on the pitch is sort of dominated out for Wednesday. Whether or not he could sit on the bench is a unique matter.

The principle cause for his journey to Saudi Arabia is to proceed coaching alongside his teammates and to stay with the group throughout nowadays, fulfilling his position as captain.

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The emotions up to now are good, the suggestions is optimistic, and Araujo is on the appropriate path. Flick totally counts on him as soon as he feels prepared, and the membership is offering full assist, with professionals and all accessible sources, to help him all through this course of.

What occurs within the occasion of qualification for Sunday’s ultimate will likely be seen sooner or later.

January 6, 2026 0 comments

Major League Soccer

Vancouver Whitecaps dominate San Diego FC in convention finals, will play Inter Miami in MLS Cup

by Soccer-News January 4, 2026

written by Soccer-News

The Vancouver Whitecaps are heading to the MLS Cup to face Lionel Messi and Inter Miami, with each golf equipment chasing the primary league championship of their franchise histories. The Whitecaps superior to the championship by incomes a decisive 3-1 win Saturday over San Diego FC within the Western Convention remaining.

It did not take lengthy for Vancouver to drag out to a lead: Simply eight minutes into the match, Brian White discovered the again of the web off a move from Andres Cubas. Three minutes later, the Whitecaps scored once more off a wild shot that bounced off the again of San Diego keeper Pablo Sisniega.

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White made it a first-half brace in first-half stoppage time, utilizing his chest to ship a cross from Ali Ahmed into the objective, bringing Vancouver to a dominant 3-0 lead.

San Diego got here out within the second half with some substitutions and a renewed sense of vitality. Star ahead Hirving “Chucky” Lozano, who subbed in at halftime, instantly made an affect with a shocking ball that arced over the pinnacle of Whitecaps keeper Yohei Takaoka.

Although the objective revitalized the San Diego crowd, SDFC’s possibilities fell dramatically after Sisniega bought a straight crimson card after coming means off his line for a poor sort out. Nice saves from Takaoka within the remaining moments secured the good 3-1 victory.

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The Whitecaps joined the league in 2011. Total, it has been a dream 12 months for Vancouver, which finishes with its finest file and can now vie for a championship.

San Diego FC’s inaugural season, in the meantime, involves an finish. SDFC ends the 12 months with the most effective growth runs in league historical past, selecting up 19 wins and 63 factors earlier than ending the 12 months within the semifinals.

The Whitecaps will now journey to Fort Lauderdale to face Inter Miami, who punched its first championship match ticket with earlier Saturday. The Cup is assured a first-time winner.

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Each convention finals might have been dominant wins, however they arrange a probably thrilling league remaining. Inter Miami’s Tadeo Allende, who had a hat trick within the win over NYC, is on an absolute tear this postseason, whereas Miami has scored 17 whole objectives throughout 5 playoff video games, largely because of Messi’s 13 objective contributions. Vancouver, in the meantime, has had some extra combined outcomes, however has confirmed its energy within the face of some powerful spots all through the postseason led by German worldwide Thomas Müller, whose veteran savvy and big-stage instincts proceed to raise a younger Whitecaps facet.

And now Müller and Co. will meet a well-recognized solid of World Cup veterans within the remaining: Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, the latter two of which will probably be enjoying of their remaining match earlier than retirement with an opportunity for one remaining trophy on the most important MLS stage potential.

Here is how the convention finals performed out in actual time:

Reside protection is over76 updatesSat, November 29, 2025 at 11:11 p.m. EST

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Vancouver ends expansion-side San Diego’s run to MLS Cup with an emphatic highway win. They’re going to need to do it once more on the highway subsequent week in Fort Lauderdale as Inter Miami will host the MLS Cup. It will be the Whitecaps’ first journey to the championship match they usually’ll be going through an Inter Miami squad they beat twice in April within the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

Sat, November 29, 2025 at 11:10 p.m. EST

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Tataoka does it once more! A final-minute save retains the scoreline at 3-1 as Vancouver wins it in regulation.

Sat, November 29, 2025 at 11:07 p.m. EST

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Tataoka makes one other stellar save, this time after Duah blasts in a header that’s blocked by Tataoka’s outstretched arm.

Sat, November 29, 2025 at 10:56 p.m. EST

Kari Anderson

Vancouver will get one off the put up, as Brian White tries for a hat trick however will get denied.

Sat, November 29, 2025 at 10:54 p.m. EST

Kari Anderson

With Sisniega out, Duran Ferree is coming in for the Whitecaps, changing Amahl Pellgrino.

Sat, November 29, 2025 at 10:53 p.m. EST

Kari Anderson

Sisniega comes means, means, means off his line to sort out Ryan Gauld, however doesn’t get almost sufficient ball to justify it.

San Diego will now end the sport with 10 males. This can be not possible for SDFC to beat.

Sat, November 29, 2025 at 10:39 p.m. EST

Kari Anderson

Manu Duah will get a yellow card after a tricky problem on Emmanuel Sabbi, who’s writhing on the bottom after seemingly attempting leap over Duah.

Sat, November 29, 2025 at 10:38 p.m. EST

Kari Anderson

Vancouver’s Emmanuel Sabbi sends within the ball with what appears to be like like a surefire shot, however Duah heads it away on the final second for a miraculous save.

Sat, November 29, 2025 at 10:36 p.m. EST

Kari Anderson

Proper after San Diego scores, Thomas Müller is subbed out for Vancouver, changed by Ryan Gauld.

Sat, November 29, 2025 at 10:35 p.m. EST

Kari Anderson

Lozano sends a protracted shot into objective, catching Yuhei Takaoka off guard because the ball arcs over his head. San Diego cuts into the deficit, making the sport 3-1.

Sat, November 29, 2025 at 10:30 p.m. EST

Kari Anderson

Each groups are doing a superb job of controlling tempo, often breaking by way of for some large possibilities however general settling right into a well-matched stalemate. San Diego, who seemed considerably frantic to get on the board in the direction of the top of final half, is somewhat bit calmer this half — although they’re clearly hoping to interrupt the clear sheet.

Sat, November 29, 2025 at 10:20 p.m. EST

Kari Anderson

San Diego is attempting to start out on a greater foot with a trio of substitutions at halftime. Star ahead Hirving “Chucky” Lozano, who began the sport on the bench, is available in for Corey Baird, whereas Franco Negri replaces Ian Pilcher and Luca De La Torre is available in for Anibal Godoy.

Sat, November 29, 2025 at 10:03 p.m. EST

Kari Anderson

The Whitecaps have loads of celebrating to do after that first half.

Sat, November 29, 2025 at 10:03 p.m. EST

Kari Anderson

Ali Ahmed outdribbles the San Diego protection and sends a phenomenal cross to Brian White, who pops it into objective together with his torso for a first-half brace.

Sat, November 29, 2025 at 10:01 p.m. EST

Kari Anderson

One other large missed alternative in transition for San Diego, as Vancouver is ready to serve it out, even because the Whitecaps by accident give it proper again to SDFC.

Total, that was a really chaotic sequence, with a number of our bodies are hitting the ground earlier than the referee lastly blew the whistle, giving San Diego a set piece simply contained in the attacking third. However even that likelihood fell flat.

Sat, November 29, 2025 at 9:56 p.m. EST

Kari Anderson

Yohei Takaoka leaps for the save there, as San Diego continues to press in the direction of objective within the remaining minutes of the primary half.

Sat, November 29, 2025 at 9:53 p.m. EST

Kari Anderson

That was some nice development from San Diego, who transfer the ball down the sphere. The one factor stopping a objective there was Tate Johnson, who will get a foot on it to ship it out of bounds underneath stress. San Diego forces a nook kick, after which one other — with a shot that hits the put up after taking a deflection off Whitecaps keeper Yohei Takaoka.

That results in one other nook kick, earlier than Anders Dreyer’s shot goes excessive. After which there’s one other nook, earlier than Vancouver is lastly capable of clear it.

In order that’s 4 set items, and three shut calls, previously a number of minutes for San Diego. However it stays 2-0 for now.

Sat, November 29, 2025 at 9:43 p.m. EST

Kari Anderson

San Diego midfielder Onni Valakari given a yellow card after a heavy contact.

Sat, November 29, 2025 at 9:40 p.m. EST

Kari Anderson

San Diego will get a harmful free kick after Jeppe Tverskov will get fouled simply outdoors the field. However SDFC’s first shot is blocked, and their subsequent re-tries are well-defended by Vancouver.

Sebastian Berhalter caps off the possibility with a terrific save to get the ball out of the field. (The San Diego followers wished a foul known as within the field, however the officers rule it clear.)

Sat, November 29, 2025 at 9:35 p.m. EST

Kari Anderson

SDFC’s Luca Bombino strike a shot from distance off a nook kick, however his shot — whereas well-hit — goes properly vast.

Quickly after, Sebastian Berhalter tries to make it 3-0 with a sliding shot down the suitable facet, however Sisniega is ready to smother it.

January 4, 2026 0 comments

World Cup

🤔 Have your say: Ought to Joan García go to the World Cup with Spain?

by Soccer-News January 4, 2026

written by Soccer-News

Joan García has been acting at a really, very excessive stage for fairly a while. At Espanyol, he was at a spectacular top and now, as he leads the objective for Soccer Membership Barcelona, he’s as effectively.

Concerning the Spanish nationwide crew, Luis De La Fuente has at all times maintained the stance that he continues to belief his three goalkeepers: Unai Simón, David Raya, and Álex Remiro.

📸 Juan Manuel Serrano Arce – 2026 Getty Photos

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However the query is, how lengthy ought to that trio of goalkeepers be maintained if there’s one other who deserves to go?

The saves made by the Sallent goalkeeper within the Espanyol-Barcelona match reopened the controversy, but in addition his composure on a day when all eyes had been on him and behind him was a stadium hoping he would make a mistake.

Now it is as much as you to reply the query within the feedback: Ought to Joan García go to the World Cup with Spain?

We reeeeeeeeeeeead you.

This text was translated into English by Synthetic Intelligence.

📸 Alex Caparros – 2026 Getty Photos

January 4, 2026 0 comments

Major League Soccer

A dream MLS Cup: Lionel Messi and Thomas Müller meet once more, 11 years after their World Cup showdown

by Soccer-News January 2, 2026

written by Soccer-News

It’s not one thing Main League Soccer would ever say out loud, in fact, but it surely’s greater than honest to consider Don Garber & Co. are ecstatic concerning the MLS Cup matchup Saturday in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It’s, unquestionably, as near a dream situation because the longtime commissioner, his rising league and MLS’ broadcast companions may have ever concocted.

“An ideal last, for my part,” Vancouver Whitecaps star Thomas Müller mentioned.

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“It will likely be a really, very particular last,” Inter Miami celebrity Lionel Messi mentioned.

It begins with Messi, the game’s brightest star of this period and maybe ever, main Inter Miami into the ultimate for the primary time since his celebrated arrival in South Florida 2½ years in the past. It continues along with his famed teammates and fellow FC Barcelona alums — Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez — on a roster that has left playoff opponents in tatters.

For the primary time in additional than a 12 months, Messi will play an MLS recreation on a normal broadcast as Fox joins Apple TV — the pay platform that owns the rights to all matches — for championship protection.

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There’s star energy throughout the sector as nicely, with the Whitecaps, additionally a first-time finalist, that includes Müller, the German icon who made a profound influence upon his summer time arrival in British Columbia from Bayern Munich. His accomplices embody Sebastian Berhalter, a U.S. World Cup prospect busting from the shadows of his father Gregg, the previous American coach.

Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi celebrates after successful the MLS Japanese Convention last. Will he be lifting one other trophy after Saturday’s MLS Cup in opposition to the Vancouver Whitecaps?

(ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Falling in the future after — and the match’s schedule unveiling noon Saturday — the two:30 p.m. ET last has the chance to attract consideration from a soccer world already centered on North American actions forward of subsequent summer time’s competitors at 16 venues in the USA, Mexico and Canada.

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“I do know the media and likewise MLS makes a degree with Messi and I and the larger names,” Müller mentioned, “however I believe it is about two groups which can be actually shut … with a really engaging and handsome taking part in type.”

It marks the second time Messi and Müller have collided with a trophy at stake, greater than 11 years after the 2014 World Cup last in Rio de Janeiro between Argentina and Germany. (Germany received 1-0 in additional time.) Their different 9 conferences got here in European membership circles, six received by Müller’s facet.

“It’s good this last got here to be and we are able to face one another once more,” Messi, who not often does interviews, mentioned in a written assertion distributed by MLS. “We all know it’ll be a really, very robust recreation. And the addition of Müller coming to that staff makes them significantly better nonetheless” since his midseason arrival.

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“It is all the time good,” Müller mentioned, “to satisfy previous mates.”

Argentina’s ahead and captain Lionel Messi (L) and Germany’s ahead Thomas Müller vie for the ball through the 2014 FIFA World Cup last soccer match between Germany and Argentina on the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on July 13, 2014. Germany received 1-0.

(ODD ANDERSEN through Getty Photos)

Müller’s addition introduced not only a world-class participant to Vancouver’s lineup, however an enormous persona to the locker room.

“A few occasions we laughed at his jokes — possibly one or two occasions as a result of they had been humorous,” Whitecaps coach Jesper Sorensen mentioned with a smile.

The match may even mark the tip of Alba and Busquets’ fabled careers.

A Miami victory “can be very good for me, for them, for everybody, would not it?” the 38-year-old Messi mentioned. “Might they end their careers with a title and in the absolute best manner.”

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Alba, 36, and Busquets, 37, are in search of their twentieth trophy as teammates.

“I am grateful for the profession I’ve had and the groups that I have been on, and every little thing I’ve realized, every little thing I’ve loved, it is a privilege,” Alba mentioned.

“It is a week with numerous feelings understanding it’ll be my final recreation … and hopefully it will be on our facet.”

Miami is very motivated after falling in need of expectations the earlier two seasons. Messi joined a struggling staff late within the 2023 season and fell in need of the playoffs. Final 12 months, after successful the Supporters’ Defend as the perfect staff within the common season, Miami misplaced to Atlanta within the first spherical.

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This season, Miami ousted Nashville within the first spherical, successful a decisive third recreation with a 4-0 romp. It then breezed in single-game knockouts by hammering host Cincinnati 4-0, and visiting New York Metropolis FC 5-1.

“They scored numerous objectives,” Müller mentioned. “They scored numerous unbelievable objectives.”

Little doubt, Miami is favored within the last after scoring a report 98 objectives throughout the common season and playoffs and a 21-4-4 residence report throughout all competitions, together with 3-0-0 and a 12-2 aim differential in postseason. Messi’s 13 aim contributions (six objectives, seven assists) and Tadeo Allende’s eight objectives are MLS playoff highs.

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Vancouver, nonetheless, obtained the perfect of Miami in worldwide competitors, sweeping a two-leg CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinal in April on a 5-1 combination. “It stung,” Alba mentioned.

Berhalter mentioned, “These two video games give us confidence that we are able to go on the market and do job and compete and work laborious and get the job executed.”

“They had been higher than us in April,” Miami coach Javier Mascherano mentioned, “however this case shouldn’t be the identical. … We arrive within the last with confidence.”

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Whereas the Whitecaps added Müller through the summer time switch window, Miami introduced in midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, Messi’s Argentina nationwide staff colleague, from Atletico Madrid.

“It received’t be the identical recreation,” Sorensen conceded.

Other than Miami’s vaunted assault, the Whitecaps might want to cope with the Florida warmth.

“It’s been some time,” Sorensen mentioned, “since I put sunscreen on for a recreation.”

The warmth, although, is most intense on Messi and Miami, whose celebrated marriage will attain peak curiosity Saturday.

“We hope [it] will likely be in our favor,” Messi mentioned.

January 2, 2026 0 comments

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