Story updated with Marcel Ruiz out of the World Cup with a torn ACL

Mexico manager Javier Aguirre has an injury problem on his hands, leaving the World Cup co-hosts in peril – and 40-year-old legend Memo Ochoa on the cusp of history www.nytimes.com/athletic/711...

Brazil reveals 2026 World Cup away kit with Jordan Brand collaboration www.nytimes.com/athletic/711...

Latest on Iran at WC: Trump on Truth Social - Iran would risk ‘life and safety’ by participating & it wouldn't be 'appropriate' Embarrassing for FIFA's Infantino - 48hrs ago on Insta he said that Trump told him country would be welcome Story @adamcrafton.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/711...

One of Tata Martino's responses re: the health of the ATLUTD program got a bit lost in translation. When a reporter asked about his long-term plan, Martino pushed back. www.nytimes.com/athletic/710...

Last night, Alejandro Zendejas played a game on U.S. soil for the first time since he scored for the #USMNT vs. Japan. With two weeks until the last U.S. camp before the World Cup, he says "I’ll be working hard to make that roster": www.inquirer.com/soccer/aleja... via @phillysport.bsky.social

I appreciate that, Conor.

Big read on Atlanta United and its humbling '26 start Interviews with Miguel Almirón, Tata Martino and Chris Henderson - Why Martino isn't willing to "sacrifice" his players - Almirón's description of the team's culture - Henderson's "frustrating" transfer window www.nytimes.com/athletic/710...

Over the past 48 hours, Iran's footballers faced a near impossible decision. Return to Iran and risk their own safety; or stay in Australia and leave their families. Spoke to over two-dozen sources about how the six defectors' escape unfolded and the conditions they endured. Free to read:

“They are hostages... players with no choice of what to say, what to think, who to talk to or what to wear.” The repression faced by the team included families being threatened, IRGC officials as chaperones, tapped phones and forced financial guarantees.

NEW: Body scans, ref cams and football AI: Inside the World Cup’s new technology www.nytimes.com/athletic/708...

Of the 54 first round Leagues Cup games this summer, just four will be played in Mexico. Is that enough to shift the growing tide against the tournament? www.nytimes.com/athletic/708...

GM survey Part II 🔋 Would superteams help MLS? 🇺🇸 Who is the next breakout USMNTer? ⚽ Breakout MLSer at World Cup? ⭐ Would you sign Cristiano this summer? “I think I'd be nuts if I said I wouldn't want to sign Cristiano.” With @felipecardenas.bsky.social: www.nytimes.com/athletic/706...

There was unrest in Guadalajara, a 2026 World Cup host city, on Sunday after an operation meant to capture drug lord Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes resulted in his death. Full story from @felipecardenas.bsky.social ⬇️

Part 1 of The Athletic's annual anonymous MLS exec survey is now live. With @paultenorio.bsky.social nytimes.com/athletic/705... I do love the candor. “Espinoza is a good fit for Nashville. And obviously with the opportunity there after San Jose f***ed it up.”

Hockey golazo for the gold

Are MLS jerseys getting better? Or are they stuck in a constant rut of overused ideas? These are my top 5 / worst 5 MLS jerseys for 2026 www.nytimes.com/athletic/705...

In @nytopinion.nytimes.com “Trump, his aides and many of his supporters haven’t purged contempt from our politics. They’ve mainstreamed it. Purified it. Industrialized it. It’s their push-a-button pushback against everyone who challenges them,” argues Frank Bruni.

"You’re representing your ancestors, your roots, where you come from, where you were born. You have to give your life for your country. That’s that ‘extra something’ you have to give when you’re with the national team." @felipecardenas.bsky.social 1-on-1 with James. www.nytimes.com/athletic/702...

James Rodríguez Exclusive 🎙️ In a candid interview, the Colombian star talks about the mistakes he's made and said this to his detractors: "They are the gasoline that fuels me. What they don’t realize is that they’re actually doing me a favor.” www.nytimes.com/athletic/702...

How James Rodriguez ended up with Minnesota United, of all teams. ➕ James Rodriguez set to be sitting courtside at the Minnesota Timberwolves game tonight against the New Orleans Pelicans. With @felipecardenas.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/702...

James Rodriguez is finalising a deal to sign with Minnesota United. Talks between the MLS side and the player first emerged on Tuesday. Rodriguez is set to join the club on a non-designated-player deal. More from @tombogert.bsky.social & @felipecardenas.bsky.social

Assumption of the Virgin, by Guido Reno, 1598-99, 📸 by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey

Cristiano Ronaldo, Zidane, Guillermo Ochoa and others have played World Cup tournaments without a club. James Rodríguez may do so for Colombia this summer, but his importance to the national team has never been more pronounced. New for @theathleticfc.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...

I am absolutely over the moon to welcome @mlsist.bsky.social, @jeffrueter.bsky.social, and @ellabrockway.bsky.social to the Guardian. www.theguardian.com/guardian-us-...

Jorge Mas and Inter Miami's desire to play the Copa Libertadores is a bridge too far. www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...

His name is Luis Suárez but he's not Uruguayan. One of Europe's most in-form strikers (and potential World Cup breakout star) is out to make a name for himself. www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...

The Chicago Bears clinch a playoff spot, marking their first postseason appearance since the 2020-21 season.

Chicharito cements his lackluster Chivas return with an unceremonious exit www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...

Hotels across the United States, Canada and Mexico have hiked prices for rooms by hundreds of dollars per night during the FIFA World Cup in 2026, with an analysis by The Athletic revealing an average increase of more than 300 per cent around opening matches in the 16 host cities.

NEW: Hotels across US, Canada & Mexico hiked prices during the FIFA World Cup in 2026, with an analysis by The Athletic revealing average increase of over 300 per cent per night around opening matches in the 16 host cities. Report: nytimes.com/athletic/68757…

More from the game: www.nytimes.com/athletic/687...

🚨 David Beckham becomes 1st person to win MLS as player & owner after Inter Miami beat Vancouver Whitecaps in #MLSCupFinal. “One of greatest moments in my career” 50yo tells @theathleticfc.bsky.social. Messi-inspired #InterMiamiCF champions only 6 seasons post-launch www.nytimes.com/athletic/686...

Good fun hosting the World Cup draw live reaction show for @theathleticfc.bsky.social with guests @mjslater.bsky.social @felipecardenas.bsky.social Jack Lang and Carl Anka getting their heads around it all. youtu.be/R_pabIMGoyw?...

This is the official Atlanta World Cup city guide. Restaurants, travel hacks, and a booming soccer culture. But as I wrote it, I realized it was like my love letter to the city I’ve called home since 2010. www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...

Garth Lagerwey will not return as CEO of Atlanta United. A global search is underway to fill the role, one that will oversee both ATLTUD and the expansion NWSL team. www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...

Oxford University Press has chosen “rage bait” as its 2025 Word of the Year. The open-compound word, which beat out “biohack” and “aura farming,” goes back at least to 2002. www.nytimes.com/2025/11/30/a...

By taking his shirt off, Ben Johnson has guaranteed free hot dogs for Chicago 🌭 www.nytimes.com/athletic/684...

In an intriguing twist of fate, Sebastian Berhalter has come to epitomize the energy and culture of the USMNT's Mauricio Pochettino era www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...

I spoke to San Diego FC chairman Sir Mohamed Mansour about the expansion club's historic inaugural season and his goal for American soccer players. “My dream is to have homegrown players from the U.S. who will be world-class players. And it will happen.” www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...

In refusing to resign as Uruguay national team coach on Thursday evening, Marcelo Bielsa showed a side of himself that the public rarely sees. “I’m toxic. To associate yourself with me makes you worse off. Don’t think I enjoy it. For me, it’s karma.” www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...

Mexico manager Javier Aguirre said a six-match winless skid shows some players aren't up to the level needed for El Tri. Frustrated fans are wondering if perhaps its the boss who can't get the job done. A Mexico vibes check for @yahoosports.bsky.social: sports.yahoo.com/soccer/artic...

Paramount, which already owns Champions League rights through CBS in US, has won the contract to broadcast it in England from 2027-31, taking it away from TNT. Will be streamed on Paramount+. Chance that they can merge US/UK output. Amazon likely keeps first pick Tuesday.

NEW in today’s World Cup news column @theathleticfc.bsky.social : Republican congressman reveals FIFA/White House task force to use former players/FIFA “legends” to share “messaging” in home markets to reassure fans the U.S. is a welcoming place for people to visit. www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...

NEW: Following our @us.theguardian.com investigation, Major League Soccer is reopening its own investigation into Philadelphia Union sporting director Ernst Tanner. The club says Tanner has since been placed on leave. Details here: www.theguardian.com/football/202...

The Union have put sporting director Ernst Tanner on "adminstrative leave" while MLS reopens an investigation into his alleged misconduct. "MLS has advised the Union that it will be reopening the investigation and the Union continues to cooperate fully," the team says in a statement. More to come.

Marcelo Bielsa’s tenure as Uruguay coach is on thin ice after a 5-1 loss to the USMNT. “In no way should the best Uruguayan players lose a match against the second-string group of the United States,” Bielsa said on Tuesday. www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...

Uruguay’s mystique is taking a beating tonight in Tampa … courtesy of the USMNT back ups. www.nytimes.com/athletic/liv...

Scott McTominay has scored one of Scotland's greatest goals. His magnificent overhead kick might send his country through to their first men's World Cup since 1998.

Are you really surprised?