U.S. Men’s Soccer: A Legacy of Near Misses and Occasional Triumphs
A look at the United States' twelve World Cup appearances, historic highs, controversial moments, and the hope for future breakthroughs.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning FIFA across Soccer, Football.
A look at the United States' twelve World Cup appearances, historic highs, controversial moments, and the hope for future breakthroughs.

Jesse Marsch, now coaching Canada’s men’s national team, recalls urging U.S. players to sing the anthem, praises Canadian enthusiasm, and looks ahead to the 2026 World Cup.

The head of the Palestinian Football Association, Jibril Rajoub, is stranded in Mexico City awaiting a U.S. visa for the 2026 World Cup, a request caught in a broader crackdown on Palestinian passport holders and a dispute over Israeli settlement teams.

St. Louis fans gather at pubs and sports bars to watch the FIFA World Cup, drawing on a deep soccer heritage and historic talents as the city prepares for a potential surge in the sport’s popularity.

Jibril Rajoub, head of the Palestinian Football Association, is stuck in Mexico City waiting for a U.S. visa to attend the 2026 World Cup, a situation that reflects wider visa curbs on Palestinian officials and rising criticism of Israeli policies.

After five decades away, Haiti qualifies for the FIFA World Cup, drawing jubilant reactions from its diaspora in Ohio and beyond.

The 2026 World Cup opened in Mexico City with a ceremony that blended Mexican tradition and broader Latin American rhythms, featuring performances by Shakira, J Balvin and other artists, while protests and social tensions simmered beneath the spectacle.

The opening matches of the 2026 World Cup have been marked by conspicuous empty seats, with ticket prices ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, sparking debate over FIFA’s pricing policy and its impact on fan engagement.

An examination of how World Cup attendance is reported, the structural limits of venues, and the gap between sold‑out declarations and visible empty seats.

Attendance figures for the South Korea‑Czech Republic match in Guadalajara revealed a stark contrast between sold‑out expectations and vacant seats, fueling a debate over the accessibility of World Cup tickets.

The 2026 World Cup final will be held on July 19 at MetLife Stadium, where a star‑studded halftime performance will support a $100 million education fund.

In a recent podcast, Fox World Cup analyst Alexi Lalas praised Donald Trump’s role in the tournament, sparking both admiration and backlash.

The United States will open its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, with coach Mauricio Pochettino hoping to build on a promising squad that includes Christian Pulisic and a fully fit defense.

Orlando City SC and Orlando Pride announce a six‑week celebration at Pointe Orlando featuring live World Cup match viewings, performances by Jair Oliveira, Gabby B, TKandz and FNAÏRE, and appearances by Griffin Dorsey, Zakaria Taifi and Anna Moorhouse, supported by Verizon and a host of cultural sponsors.

The FIFA World Cup Fan Festival has launched at Dallas's Fair Park, offering free admission and a vibrant mix of soccer, culture, and commerce under soaring Texas temperatures.

Jibril Rajoub, head of the Palestinian Football Association, is stranded in Mexico City awaiting a US visa for the 2026 World Cup, criticizing Washington's tightening visa policy and highlighting the destruction of sports facilities in Gaza.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be staged across the United States, Mexico and Canada, showcasing a blend of experience and youthful talent as the world’s best players converge for a historic competition.

Palestinian Football Association chief Jibril Rajoub waits in Mexico City for a U.S. visa to attend the 2026 World Cup, a tournament overshadowed by visa denials, diplomatic friction and calls for sanctions against Israel.

The United States denied a visa to Jibril Rajoub, head of the Palestinian Football Association, preventing his attendance at the 2026 World Cup opening match, amid wider disputes over Israeli participation and visa restrictions.

Brooklyn‑based designer Honesti Gittens upcycles discarded soccer balls into high‑end fashion pieces, blending sport, sustainability, and limited releases tied to major events.

The 2026 World Cup will be the first edition co‑hosted by three countries and the first to feature a 48‑team format. Argentina aims to defend its title and become the first side to win consecutive tournaments since Brazil in 1962, while Germany hopes to finally advance beyond the group stage. BFW analysts predict Spain, France and Germany as top contenders, with Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane and Lamine Yamal among the players expected to shine.

Lincoln-based auditor Vanessa Emlich reflects on her lifelong love of soccer, family ties to Thailand, and the excitement of watching Lionel Messi’s presumed final World Cup appearance in Kansas City.
A look at the trailblazing athletes whose achievements have defined U.S. soccer and who will be honored as the nation co‑hosts the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Despite looming controversies, FIFA envisions a record‑breaking event, but the road to the 48‑team tournament is fraught with geopolitical strain, travel restrictions and skepticism