Graham Arnold resigns as head coach of the Australian men's soccer team

SYDNEY (AP) — Graham Arnold has resigned as head coach of the Australian men's soccer team after six years in charge and following two recent poor performances by the Socceroos in 2026 World Cup qualifying. Soccer Australia said Friday that Arnold advised them earlier this week of...

Salvatore 'Toto' Schillaci, the Italy striker who was top scorer at its home World Cup in 1990, dies at 59

Mauricio Pochettino hired to succeed Gregg Berhalter as US men's national team coach

Former Tottenham and Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino was hired Tuesday to succeed Gregg Berhalter as U.S. men’s national team coach, 21 months before the Americans host the 2026 World Cup. A 52-year-old Argentine, Pochettino became the 10th U.S. coach in 14 years and its first...

Mauricio Pochettino hired as U.S. men’s national team soccer coach 21 months before 2026 World Cup

Rodrygo scores and Brazil beats Ecuador 1-0 in South American World Cup qualifying

CURITIBA, Brazil (AP) — Real Madrid star Rodrygo scored a goal in the first half and Brazil defeated Ecuador 1-0 on Friday end a three-match losing streak in South American qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. The 23-year-old Rodrygo scored with a shot from outside the box that was...

Chinese soccer appears to be getting worse despite President Xi's pledge to make it better

TOKYO (AP) — Chinese President Xi Jinping is reported to be a big soccer fan, and he promised in a 2015 document to resuscitate the men's national team, damaged by abysmal results on the global stage and widespread corruption in local leagues. He cannot be happy. ...

Argentina minus Messi beats Chile to lead South American World Cup qualifying

BUENOS AIRES (AP) — Without injured Lionel Messi and the retired Ángel Di María, Argentina eased past Chile 3-0 on Thursday to remain on top of the South American 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring in the 48, Julián Álvarez added a goal in the...

Bolivia moves World Cup qualifier to even higher altitude, hoping to elevate performance

EL ALTO, Bolivia (AP) — Bolivia has always been a difficult place to play. Now the challenge is even higher. Literally. The men's national soccer team is hoping that hosting World Cup qualifiers at an altitude higher than ever will help it improve in the South...

FIFA aims for the perfect pitch at 2026 World Cup following fields called a disaster at Copa America

EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) — The 2026 World Cup is coming to North America with an ambitious plan, expanding the field by 50% and spreading the soccer spectacle over 16 cities in three countries with multiple climates and elevations. FIFA, aiming to create the perfect pitch for every...

Injured Messi out of Argentina's squad for World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Colombia

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Lionel Messi will not play in Argentina's next two World Cup qualifiers because of injury. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni announced his 28-man squad on Monday for the matches against Chile on Sept. 5 and Colombia five days later. Messi...