Where were you in Sept. 2018? Well, France was atop the FIFA Men’s World Ranking, and for the first time since that time period, Kylian Mbappe and the French are first in that ranking again, as of Wednesday, Apr. 1. France moved up two spots to get to No. 1. Spain (No. 2) and defending…
As far as results are concerned, things could have gone much better for the United States men’s national team this past international window. Not only did the U.S. lose both of their friendlies against Belgium and Portugal, but its path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage got notably more difficult with the introduction…
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…
Alexander Isak’s expected return to team training on Thursday comes at a good time for both Liverpool and Sweden. The striker has recovered from a broken ankle and fibula with Liverpool chasing a Champions League spot and Sweden celebrating qualification to the World Cup. Isak needed surgery to repair injuries sustained from an opponent’s tackle…
PHOENIX — Rule changes were at the forefront of the NFL owners meeting this week, with the most notable approved proposal being a one-year rule that allows officials “to correct clear and obvious mistakes” as the league’s referees face a potential lockout. It’s clear the NFL anticipates having to use replacement referees — and because it…
England coach Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that Phil Foden is not a sure thing to make the World Cup squad. The Manchester City player started both of England’s friendly games in the final camp before Tuchel selects his squad for this summer’s tournament. England lost to Japan 1-0 on Tuesday at Wembley Stadium, after last…
The Chicago Blackhawks returned home from a four-game road trip that didn’t go their way, as they went 1-3. But their game against the Winnipeg Jets on March 31 brought a newsy 24 hours, including Anton Frondell’s first game at the United Center and significant injury updates, as the Blackhawks are without Matt Grzelyck, Artyom…
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 uneasy about making the 26-person roster, even if they don’t show it. The U.S. men’s…
Throughout the history of the Buffalo Sabres, the organization has been fortunate with the goaltending position. They’ve had some of the biggest names that have played the position don the blue and gold, as well as the red and black at one point. Thinking back on the history of goalies that have played for the Sabres,…
Alexi Lalas isn’t hitting the panic button on the United States men’s national team’s chances of making it out of Group D at the 2026 World Cup, but he is concerned about manager Mauricio Pochettino’s process following its 0-2 showing during its latest stage of friendlies. Following the USA’s 2-0 loss to Portugal on Tuesday,…
