FOX Soccer analyst Stu Holden joined The Herd to discuss the expectations of the USA ahead of the World Cup.

Brenden Aaronson insisted that that the USMNT is determined to make the country proud, following criticism of its performances ahead of the World Cup.

Los Angeles Galaxy winger Joseph Paintsil has criticised former Black Stars head coach Otto Addo for leaving him out of Ghana’s 2022 FIFA World Cup squad — a decision that shocked many football fans and pundits.In an interview with VamosNetwork, the 2024 MLS Cup champion expressed his lingering disappointment over what he described as an unconvincing explanation from the former coach.“I was disappointed with the decision of the coach of the national team… there was no tangible or reasonable reason for me being excluded from the list,” Paintsil said.Paintsil revealed that Otto Addo told him his omission wasn’t due to performance but rather because he “doesn’t defend".“He told me there is no reason, but the only reason is that I don’t defend. There was no tangible explanation, and I was left behind really disappointed.”Ghana endured a tough 2022 World Cup campaign under Otto Addo, crashing out in the group stage. Although Addo later guided the team to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, he was dismissed earlier this year after a poor run of results and replaced by veteran coach Carlos Queiroz.Ghana now prepares for the upcoming World Cup in the USA, Canada,...

Is Kylian Mbappé actually the issue at Real Madrid? We break down his trophy drought since joining, while his former club continues to thrive without him, and debate whether Harry Kane has quietly become the Ballon d’Or frontrunner. Then Sophia Wilson joins us to talk about leaving soccer at the door, motherhood, and what really drives her as a competitor. Finally, Kaylyn Kyle stops by to unpack Javier Mascherano’s shock exit from Inter Miami CF, Nashville SC’s statement win, and what it all means for the future of MLS and the USMNT.

Yunus Musah’s loan spell at Serie A side Atalanta is set to end this May with the Serie A club reportedly set to pass on keeping him permanently. Atalanta will not exercise the purchase option on Musah from his parent club AC Milan, Italian outlet Gazzetta Dello Sport reported Thursday. In addition, the Rossoneri are ... Read more

Presented by @Zillow #zillow #StateOfTheUnion #Soccer #USMNT Subscribe to get the latest from Alexi Lalas' State of the Union: http://sprtspod.fox/SUBSCRIBEtoSOTU Listen to Alexi Lalas' State of the Union on Apple Podcasts: http://sprtspod.fox/sotu Follow SOTU on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SOTUWithAlexi Follow SOTU on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sotuwithalexi/ Follow SOTU on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sotuwithalexi Like SOTU on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SOTUWithAlexi About Alexi Lalas' State of the Union Podcast: U.S. Soccer legend Alexi Lalas discusses the biggest stories in the world of soccer from an American perspective. Join Alexi and soccer guru David Mosse, as they break down the USMNT, USWNT, MLS, Bundesliga, Premier League, World Cup & everything in between. www.youtube.com/@StateOfTheUnion

Guillermo Hoyos spoke for the first time as Inter Miami head coach and addressed his relationship with Lionel Messi. This week, Inter Miami were shaken by Javier Mascherano’s surprising decision to step down, citing personal reasons. Guillermo Hoyos was appointed on an interim basis to replace him and has now opened up about his connection with Lionel Messi. “Being on the field with the greatest player in history is extraordinary,” Hoyos said in his first press conference as head coach of the Herons, as shared by reporter Jose Armando on his official X account. Regarding the nature of his relationship with Messi, the coach was clear: “There’s a friendship we’ve built over the years, like with many other players in different countries… Friendship is non-negotiable.” However, Hoyos made it clear that this bond of trust also comes with boundaries. “That doesn’t mean we’re around him every day. You have to respect everything — his privacy, for example — be prudent, and quietly continue building this approach,” Guillermo said. “All of this is new.” Head Coach Guillermo Hoyos of Inter Miami CF talks to his players during a training session. How did Messi and Hoyos meet? Lionel Messi and Guillermo Hoyos first crossed paths when the forward was still a teenager and had just arrived at Barcelona. At the time, Guillermo was working within the club’s academy and quickly took on a role in helping his compatriot adjust to a new country and club. “He helped me a lot from the moment I arrived at Barca. He was always there for me… He taught me things and helped me get to where I am,” Messi said previously about Hoyos’ role in his development at Barcelona, according to Ole. More than 20 years later, the two reunited at Inter Miami in different roles: Messi as the team’s superstar and Hoyos as sporting director. However, Mascherano’s sudden departure forced the club to turn to him to fill the vacancy, at least on an interim basis. Hoyos highlights Inter Miami’s structure In the same press conference, Guillermo Hoyos addressed his current situation after moving from sporting director to interim head coach. “I’m at the club’s service, and that’s why I’m in this position today. A couple of days ago, I was in a different role,” he said. “I’m here to help in any way the club needs.” Finally, Hoyos expressed strong optimism about Inter Miami’s potential. “It’s one of the 10 best clubs in the world, not just in MLS,” the coach said. “Because it has a structure. And especially with the stadium they’ve inaugurated, which is something extraordinary. It’s a club with tremendous potential.”

In a recent report, Turkiye Gazetesi claimed that Tottenham Hotspur are keeping tabs on Besiktas forward Hyeon-gyu Oh. It has been mentioned that Spurs are eyeing a move to bring the South Korean talent to North London this summer. Oh’s Impressive Form In Turkish Football Oh has enjoyed a decent run of form at the […] The post Tottenham Hotspur Are Keeping Tabs On This Gifted Forward: What Will Add To De Zerbi’s Attack? appeared first on The 4th Official - A view from the sideline.

Kylian Mbappe added another historic chapter to his remarkable career on a painful night for Real Madrid, as the forward matched a major Champions League scoring mark previously set by Karim Benzema. Kylian Mbappe added another historic chapter to his remarkable career on a painful night for Real Madrid, as the forward matched a major Champions League scoring mark previously set by Karim Benzema. Although the Spanish club suffered elimination against Bayern, Mbappe still found a way to leave his stamp on the contest. The result was devastating for Los Blancos, but it also underlined how central Mbappe has become to the team’s future. Even in defeat, the French star continued his record-breaking run in Europe’s biggest club competition, showing why he remains one of soccer’s most decisive players. Bayern Munich produced a dramatic 4-3 victory over Real Madrid in the second leg of their quarter-final, sealing a 6-4 aggregate triumph and booking a place in the Champions League semi-final. The German club struck late through Luis Diaz and Michael Olise after a chaotic and emotional encounter. Bayern Munich ends Real Madrid’s European run Madrid had entered the match hoping for another famous comeback, but their resistance was broken in the closing stages. Tensions rose further when Eduardo Camavinga was sent off in the 86th minute, a decision that sparked furious protests from the visiting side. The match exploded into life almost immediately when Arda Guler scored after only 34 seconds following a mistake from Manuel Neuer. Bayern responded quickly through Aleksandar Pavlovic, setting the tone for an open and high-level contest. Harry Kane then added another goal for Bayern after Guler had restored Madrid’s lead earlier in the half. Vinicius hit the crossbar before creating the chance that allowed Mbappe to score and keep Madrid alive before the interval. That finish from the French superstar briefly gave the Spanish club the belief that momentum was shifting. Instead, Bayern’s late push proved decisive as the Bundesliga giant surged through. Mbappe matches Benzema’s historic mark While the team’s result was bitterly disappointing, Mbappe still reached several significant milestones with his goal. Among the many records, Mbappe tied Karim Benzema for second place among Frenchmen in a single Champions League season with 15 goals scored in one season. That places him alongside one of Real Madrid’s greatest modern forwards and another legendary French striker. Benzema achieved the feat during his Ballon d’Or-winning season, making Mbappe’s achievement even more notable given the pressure and expectations surrounding his first full era as Madrid’s attacking leader. Karim Benzema of Real Madrid shakes hands with head coach Jose Mourinho Only one French player has scored more in a single UEFA campaign, with Stéphane Guivarc’h’s 1997-98 tally for Auxerre still ahead. Mbappe is also now just two goals shy of Cristiano Ronaldo’s all-time single-season Champions League record of 17. Individual brilliance amid collective frustration Mbappe’s overall numbers this season remain extraordinary. He has scored 40 goals in 39 appearances across all competitions, a return that would usually place a player on course for multiple trophies. Instead, Madrid now faces the possibility of finishing the campaign empty-handed. The club is already out of the Champions League and Copa del Rey, while Barcelona holds a commanding lead in La Liga.

Could the USMNT head coach replace Alvaro Arbeola at Real Madrid this summer? The Athletic FC Podcast is your essential guide to football's biggest stories, five times a week this season... Listen on Apple and Spotify: https://podfollow.com/athletic-fc-pod Subscribe to The Athletic FC Podcast channel 👉 http://bit.ly/athleticuk | 🔔Make sure to enable all push notifications!🔔 Follow The Athletic FC Podcast: Instagram: @theathleticfc TikTok: athleticfcpod #realmadrid #usmnt #pochettino #laliga #football #footballshorts