World Cup Title Favorites, Sleepers, Debut Teams? All 48 Teams By Tiers

Ready for the biggest edition of soccer’s marquee event? With 48 teams spread across three countries, this summer’s 2026 FIFA World Cup is going to be epic.  [2026 FIFA WORLD CUP: Full Game-by-Game Schedule] The field is set, and all 12 four-team groups are locked in. But which teams will be the serious tournament contenders? … Read more

First Things First’s Top 26 Players Who Will Define the 2026 World Cup

Is Lionel Messi still the best soccer player in the world at 38 years old? It’s debatable. However, what is undeniable is that Messi will be one of the focal points of the 2026 FIFA World Cup should he choose to participate in a record-setting sixth World Cup, which is why the “First Things First” … Read more

Cobi Jones Reacts To USA’s Back-To-Back Losses: ‘You Can’t Be Happy’

As the 2026 World Cup co-tournament hosts, the United States faces the pressure to perform as a home team. However, a pair of friendly losses have raised questions for the men’s team ahead of the tournament.  Former USA midfielder Cobi Jones joined “First Things First” to discuss the recent struggles of the United States in its … Read more

World Cup Auditions Are Over: USA Players Now Await Pochettino’s ‘Painful’ Decision

Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta) – The booming drum beat from Portugal fans was a helpful reminder to anyone who might have been unaware: the World Cup is a mere two months away. That means it’s nervy times for players who are anxious to make a roster, even if they don’t show it. The U.S. men’s national … Read more

2026 FIFA World Cup Ultimate Fanbase! Vote For Who Is The Best

The world’s best sporting event – the 2026 FIFA World Cup — is coming this summer, and it’s going to be bigger and better than ever.  But which 48 fanbases will be the loudest? The most fun and the most passionate? Vote in our 2026 FIFA World Cup Ultimate Fan Base, sponsored by Lay’s! How … Read more

4 Takeaways From USA’s 2-0 Loss To Portugal in Pre-World Cup Friendly

Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta) — Two games against elite competition. Two losses that left fans of the United States men’s national team short of any confidence that the country’s squad has any hope of making a deep run when it co-hosts the World Cup in just more than two months from now. Three days after a … Read more

USA Must Rediscover Intensity In Tuneup v. Portugal: ‘It’s Non-Negotiable’

MARIETTA, Ga. — As he settled into his podium seat for Monday’s packed pre-match press conference inside the sprawling and pristine training facility of MLS side Atlanta United, U.S. men’s national team coach Mauricio Pochettino cut a businesslike figure. (Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images) The Argentine answered the first dozen or so questions matter-of-factly, displaying … Read more

USA’s Stars Ready to Redeem Themselves in Yet Another Tough Pre-World Cup Test

Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta) — Walking the streets of Georgia’s stately capital on Saturday, shortly before the United States men’s national team’s World Cup warm-up against Belgium, the excitement among the home team’s fans was palpable. Under a cloudless sky, supporters of all ages wore those swanky new USA jerseys and ear-to-ear smiles. Inside “The Benz,” … Read more

USA Soccer Spotlight: How Will Pulisic Respond After Scoreless Outing vs. Belgium?

Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta) — Christian Pulisic wants this responsibility. The one that requires him to carry the pressure weighing on the U.S. men’s national team as it embarks on what is expected to be a historic World Cup on home soil this summer. Pulisic, 27, has been in the senior national team for 10 years. … Read more

Clash of Colors? USA-Belgium Jersey Combo Was An Eyesore For Players

Mercedes-Benz Stadium (ATLANTA) — The final score of the U.S. men’s national team game on Saturday, a 5-2 defeat to Belgium, wasn’t the only thing everyone was talking about.  You couldn’t tell which team was which on the pitch because of similar jersey colors between the two sides. It made following the game a challenge … Read more