World Cup News

Inter Miami forward German Berterame does not have his place secured with Mexico for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In just over a month, the coaches of the 48 qualified national teams for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will have to finalize their 26-man squads. In Mexico, there is fierce competition for the striker spots, putting Inter Miami star German Berterame’s chances in serious doubt. “Raul Jimenez and Santiago Gimenez are the main forwards of the Mexico national team, and that appears to be beyond any doubt as the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches,” Diario Marca reported this week. Indeed, the Fulham forward has been a key figure based on recent call-ups. And while Gimenez has struggled this year at AC Milan due to inconsistent performances and injuries, he has built a strong reputation in Europe to earn that consideration. “The debate is over the third striker for the World Cup,” the report adds. “The focus is on Armando Gonzalez and German Berterame, who are competing for a place in the 26-man squad that Javier Aguirre will select for the FIFA tournament.” Armando Gonzalez playing for Mexico. Who is Armando Gonzalez? One of the fastest-rising players in Mexican soccer in recent years is Armando Gonzalez. The striker will turn 23 next week and is currently enjoying the best season of his professional career with Guadalajara. After beginning his career with Tapatio in Liga de Expansion MX in 2020, ‘La Hormiga’ (The Ant) reached Liga MX in 2024 and has since established himself as a key player for Guadalajara. This season, he is the team’s undisputed star, leading the standings and topping the Clausura tournament scoring chart with 12 goals. Those performances earned Gonzalez a call-up to the Mexico national team, where Javier Aguirre gave him the opportunity to make his debut in a friendly against Paraguay in November 2025. Since then, he has recorded six appearances, one goal and one assist at the international level. Berterame is struggling at Inter Miami While Armando Gonzalez is in the best form of his career with Guadalajara and gaining prominence with the Mexico national team, German Berterame is having trouble finding his rhythm on the field. Inter Miami paid $15 million to Monterrey at the start of this year to sign the Argentina-born forward, hoping he would become an important attacking piece for the team. However, his start with the club has not been ideal: across MLS and the Concacaf Champions Cup, Berterame has managed just one goal in nine appearances for the Herons, raising questions about his place in the starting lineup. That lack of form at club level has impacted his chances internationally. Javier Aguirre has included Berterame in the starting lineup in only one of Mexico’s five matches this year, while in two others he did not see the field at all.

The coach will have to decide whether to call up the midfielder even if he hardly plays for Betis Leer

As he remains sidelined by San Diego FC in MLS, Hirving Lozano now appears set to be left out of representing Mexico at the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a conversation with Javier Aguirre. A meeting between head coach Javier Aguirre and Hirving Lozano appears to have been decisive in leaving the Mexico forward all but out of contention for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, amid his ongoing conflict with San Diego FC in MLS. “There was a conversation between Javier Aguirre and Chucky Lozano a few months ago because of this whole situation he had in San Diego,” journalist Gibran Araige said this week on TUDN’s Insider. “Vasco told him: ‘Look, I’m interested in you, I have you on my radar for the World Cup, but I need you to play,’” the reporter continued, outlining the Mexico head coach’s stance. However, Lozano’s response was not encouraging: “Chucky said no.” Aguirre’s position appears reasonable. Hirving Lozano is a player with proven quality and experience at the European level, as well as a long track record with the Mexico national team. However, arriving at a World Cup after more than six months without playing time is difficult to justify. Hirving Lozano played 34 games for San Diego FC. That is why the coach’s intention was for Lozano to do everything possible to leave San Diego FC and find another club where he could secure playing time during this stretch. However, the player chose to prioritize honoring his contract, continue earning his high MLS salary, and potentially give up the chance to play in the World Cup with Mexico. What happened with Lozano at San Diego FC? Earlier this year, San Diego FC announced that Hirving Lozano would not be part of head coach Mikey Varas’ plans for the 2026 MLS season, citing issues related to “style of play” and “environment” as reasons behind the decision. The problems had begun months earlier during a match against Houston Dynamo, when Lozano was substituted at halftime and, according to The Athletic, had a verbal altercation with Varas that led to him being sidelined for a couple of matches. Although Hirving Lozano was later reinstated and played four more matches for San Diego FC during the MLS playoffs, at the start of the new season the coaching staff and club executives opted to leave the forward out of their plans moving forward. Mexico lose a key piece Hirving Lozano has been one of Mexico’s standout players in recent years. Alongside his European career with PSV Eindhoven and Napoli, he has been a regular presence in the national team over the past decade. The forward has appeared in two World Cups. At Russia 2018, he started all four matches for Mexico and scored the winning goal in a 1-0 victory over Germany, one of the most significant results in the history of the national team. At Qatar 2022, he also started all three matches, underscoring his importance over time. Now, with his participation in the 2026 World Cup nearly ruled out, Lozano leaves a significant void in the Mexico national team, even if his recent involvement has already been limited due to injuries and coaching decisions.

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are back with a new episode of State of the Union! The pair discuss both Folarin Balogun and Ricardo Pepi finding the back of the net this weekend for Monaco and PSV, Tyler Adams making his long-awaited return for Bournemouth, and the struggles continuing for Juventus and AC Milan. They then come back stateside where MLS began its 31st season with a bang, a huge meeting between LAFC and Inter Miami at the LA Coliseum in front over 75K fans that the Black and Gold ran away with 3-0. Michael Bradley’s tenure as NYRB manager got off to a strong start, while Matt Turner’s New England Revolution career started with a 4-1 loss to Nashville. In #AskAlexi, the question is posed whether or not the USA will produce multiple world class soccer players and in One for the Road, Alexi wonders what US Soccer can learn from the gold medal winning US hockey teams. Intro (0:00)U.S. Abroad: Balogun & Pepi score, Adams is BACK (4:05)MLS Recap: Michael Bradley wins debut, Javier Aguirre slights MLS, Messi is mad (15:08)#AskAlexi: When will U.S. Men's soccer producer worldwide stars? (32:07)One For The Road: U.S. Hockey is Golden: What can USMNT learn? (39:48) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Explore the vibrant world of CONCACAF with Herc and the guys from The Give N Go. From analyzing the challenges Pochettino and the US Men's National Team are facing after the Gold Cup to Mexico's tactics under Javier Aguirre. Plus, the rise of emerging stars, the influence of MLS and Liga MX, and their updated CONCACAF power rankings. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Houston, we have a showdown! Jimmy Conrad and Tony Meola discuss Mexico's Gold Cup campaign ahead of Sunday's title game against the United States. Identity under Javier Aguirre, breakout star Gilberto Mora and how to hurt El Tri (03:56). Mauricio Pochettino talks fan culture and substitutions (25:06). Diego Luna makes the right noises (33:22). The USMNT's struggles with playing out of pressure (38:57). Tim Ream takes on the haters/doubters (47:44). And Jimmy reveals his combined USA-Mexico starting XI (57:48). Call It What You Want is available for free on the Audacy app as well as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever else you listen to podcasts. Follow the Call It What You Want team on X:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@JimmyConrad⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @CharlieDavies9⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TMeola1⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠betting arena on CBSSports.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for all the latest in ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠sportsbook reviews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠sportsbook promos⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠betting on soccer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. For more soccer coverage from CBS Sports, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.cbssports.com/soccer/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To hear more from the CBS Sports Podcast Network, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.cbssports.com/podcasts/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ You can also watch Call It What You Want on the CBS Sports Golazo Network for free on connected TVs and mobile devices through the CBS Sports app, Pluto TV, and on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CBSSports.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ as well as ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Paramount+⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Watch UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Europa Conference League, EFL, Serie A, Coppa Italia, CONCACAF Nations League, NWSL, Scottish Premiership, Brasileiro, Argentine Primera División, AFC Champion League by subscribing to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Paramount+⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sign up to the Golazo ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, your ultimate guide to the Beautiful Game as our experts take you beyond the pitch and around the globe with news that matters. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rog is joined by Reynoso and Soltero of the Give N Go Podcast for Part 2 of our Gold Cup Preview. Together, they offer an insightful and energetic breakdown of the tournament’s key contenders, standout players, and emerging dark horses. From Javier Aguirre’s formidable Mexico to the polarizing presence of Miguel Herrera on Costa Rica’s sidelines, and Panama’s pursuit of a historic first title. The discussion spotlights rising talent throughout Central America and the Caribbean as well as winner and runner-up predictions. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We break down a 4-2 second leg victory for the USMNT over Jamaica in the CNL quarterfinals. The boys discuss Pulisic's terrific goal, Pepi making an impact and Poch's system taking hold. Plus, the ridiculous reason that two Jamaican players missed the game, Javier Aguirre getting hit by a beer can and Gregg Berhalter just another face in the crowd. ***BY THE WAY... Our new premium channel, Caught Offside Plus, is up and running! Just go to https://caughtoffside.supercast.com to sign up! Once you have access to the premium feed, check out our special "welcome episode" from June 24th (we don't think you'll be disappointed) and enjoy the additional Caught Offside content that's soon to be headed your way. And just a reminder: We've partnered up with Manscaped during the month of November! Get 20% OFF @manscaped + Free Shipping with promo code caughtoffside at MANSCAPED.com! #ad #manscapedpod --- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@caughtoffsidepod X: https://twitter.com/COsoccerpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caughtoffsidepod/ Email: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Christian and Alexis discuss the USMNT’s gutsy 1-0 win over Jamaica. Then, Stefan Frei joins the show to chat MLS playoffs. Later, Christian and Alexis break down Marta’s wonder goal to sent the Orlando Pride to the NWSL Cup final.

Jimmy Conrad and Tony Meola look ahead to the United States men’s national team’s Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal return leg against the Reggae Boyz. What has Mauricio Pochettino learned so far about his new team (07:22)? With Tim Weah back from suspension is there still room for Yunus Musah (12:52)? Jamaica are still in the tie as Steve McClaren welcomes back Michail Antonio (21:55). The guys pick over the projected USMNT lineup (30:25). Ugly scenes elsewhere in CNL action as Mexico coach Javier Aguirre was bloodied after being struck by a projectile (35:35). Can El Tri turn things around against Honduras? Then, it’s preview mailbag time: Next man up after Tim Ream (48:02), potential landing spots for Tanner Tessmann (55:34), Malik Tillman’s best position (58:53), and the center back pipeline (1:01:53). Call It What You Want is available for free on the Audacy app as well as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever else you listen to podcasts. Follow the Call It What You Want team on X: @JimmyConrad, @CharlieDavies9, @TMeola1 Visit the betting arena on CBSSports.com for all the latest in sportsbook reviews and sportsbook promos for betting on soccer. For more soccer coverage from CBS Sports, visit https://www.cbssports.com/soccer/ To hear more from the CBS Sports Podcast Network, visit https://www.cbssports.com/podcasts/ You can also watch Call It What You Want on the CBS Sports Golazo Network for free on connected TVs and mobile devices through the CBS Sports app, Pluto TV, and on CBSSports.com as well as Paramount+. Watch UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Europa Conference League, EFL, Serie A, Coppa Italia, CONCACAF Nations League, NWSL, Scottish Premiership, Brasileiro, Argentine Primera División, AFC Champion League by subscribing to Paramount+ Sign up to the Golazo newsletter, your ultimate guide to the Beautiful Game as our experts take you beyond the pitch and around the globe with news that matters. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Herc analyzed the current status of three candidates for the king of Concacaf. Canada, the US, and Mexico played against each other in this FIFA international fixture. Who is performing well, and who needs to pick back up? Delving into the new manager of the USMNT, Mauricio Pochettino, Canada under Jesse Marsch, and Javier Aguirre's third stint with "El Tri". See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"Liga MX versus Major League Soccer is the narrative we always feed into every single year in the CONCACAF Champions Cup" Herc talked with Eric Gomez, a friend of the house who works for ESPN Deportes, about all things Mexican football. They discussed Santi Gimenez's dry run with Feyenoord and with "El Tri", cleared up rumors that linked Mallorca's manager Javier Aguirre to the Mexican National Team, and debated on "Liga MX vs MLS" after this week's CONCACAF Champions Cup drama. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.