In 2022, Christian Pulisic never looked happier. The U.S. national team headliner was sat at a podium in a tent next to the Americans’ training base in Qatar basking in the glory of his first World Cup goal — a game winner against Iran that sent the Americans to the round of 16. Normally almost … Read more
Just 50 days away from the United States 12th World Cup appearance, their final stage of preparation is hinging on their finalized roster, which will be announced May 26. With key players like Christian Pulisic suffering goal droughts, attacking midfielder Gio Reyna could stand out as an underrated weapon. Former U.S. men’s national team coach … Read more
“Why not us?” That’s the mantra that United States men’s national team coach Mauricio Pocchetino has used to motivate his team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted on home soil (along with Canada and Mexico) this summer. But how realistic is that objective for the U.S. with less than two … Read more
As American soccer star Christian Pulisic’s slump continues, the question becomes: Which attacker can the USA call on ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in June? Former U.S. Men’s National Team midfielder Dax McCarty joined First Things First on Wednesday to shout out forward Folarin Balogun’s talent, and how it makes him the perfect … Read more
As Patrick Agyemang strolled through the lobby of the U.S. men’s national team’s 5-star hotel in the swanky Buckhead district of Atlanta late last month, the mother of two young soccer fans approached the lanky young striker. “Are you a player?,” she asked. Agyemang stopped, flashed his 1000-watt smile and, somewhat sheepishly, confirmed that he … Read more
A pair of U.S. men’s national team stars returned to action for their respective Italian Serie A clubs on Monday, but their fortunes on the pitch ended up being quite the opposite. USA midfielder Weston McKennie scored for Juventus to beat Genoa 2-0, getting man of the match honors. McKennie netted 17 minutes after kickoff … Read more
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
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
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
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