U.S. Soccer’s Pay‑to‑Play Barrier and the Quest for a Global Powerhouse
The United States struggles to match Argentina's soccer success despite its massive population, a gap widened by expensive youth pathways and fragmented oversight.
Jul 24, 2026
Organization
U.S. Soccer Federation
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning U.S. Soccer Federation across Soccer, Football.
Spain and U.S. Women’s Teams Lock Horn in October Friendly Series Ahead of 2027 World Cup
Two high‑profile friendlies in Washington and Philadelphia will pit the reigning world champion Spain against the Olympic gold‑medalist United States, offering both teams a final chance to fine‑tune before the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil.
Jul 13, 2026
The Cost of Capitalism: How Pay‑to‑Play Undermines U.S. Soccer’s World Cup Ambitions
The United States' early World Cup exit laid bare a system where profit trumps player development, sparking calls for public funding to level the playing field.
Jul 13, 2026
The 1989 Qualifier That Put the United States on the World Cup Map
From the buzzing streets of Port of Spain to the lasting legacy of a 1-0 victory, a veteran broadcaster reflects on a match that sparked a soccer renaissance in the United States.
Jul 12, 2026
The Pay-to-Play Trap in U.S. Youth Soccer and Its Impact on National Team Performance
An investigation into the United States' expensive youth soccer system, its effect on talent development, and the ongoing efforts to reform a landscape that prioritizes profit over player growth.
Jul 10, 2026
Steve Cherundolo Takes the Helm of U.S. Under‑23 Men’s National Team for 2028 Olympics
Cherundolo’s appointment marks the culmination of a distinguished playing and coaching career, positioning him to shape the next wave of U.S. soccer stars.
Jul 10, 2026
World Cup Echoes Across Cascadia: A Border Agent’s Insight and Fan Culture
A conversation at the Peace Arch port reveals FIFA’s hidden preferences, the vibrant fan scene, and the broader cultural impact of the World Cup in the Pacific Northwest.
Jul 9, 2026
Steve Cherundolo Appointed Head Coach of U.S. U-23 Men’s National Team for 2028 Olympics
Cherundolo’s extensive playing pedigree and recent coaching triumphs position him to shape the next generation of American talent ahead of the 2028 Games.
Jul 9, 2026
U.S. Women’s Soccer Team Secures Equal Pay in Landmark Settlement
A $24 million settlement and revised contracts have eliminated the gender pay gap in U.S. Soccer, ensuring equal World Cup prize money and highlighting the sport's growing female influence.
Jul 9, 2026
Christian Pulisic’s World Cup Leg Fracture Threatens AC Milan Debut
A collision with Belgium's captain left the U.S. star with a fractured leg, sidelining him for weeks and casting a shadow over Milan's upcoming match.
Jul 9, 2026
Steve Cherundolo Takes the Helm of U.S. U‑23 Men’s Team for 2028 Olympics
Steve Cherundolo, a three‑time World Cup veteran and former LAFC coach, has been appointed head coach of the United States Under‑23 men’s national team as they prepare for the 2028 Summer Olympics, with plans to develop a competitive squad at the National Training Center in Georgia.
Jul 9, 2026
Christian Pulisic’s World Cup Injury Casts Doubt on Milan’s Serie A Start
A collision with Belgium’s Youri Tielemans left Christian Pulisic with a fractured right leg, sidelining the American forward for weeks and putting his debut Serie A appearance in jeopardy.
Jul 9, 2026
Steve Cherundolo Appointed Coach of U.S. Under‑23 Men’s Soccer Team for 2028 Olympics
Steve Cherundolo, who led LAFC to multiple trophies, will guide the United States Under‑23 side at the 2028 Los Angeles Games, aiming to blend youthful talent with strategic over‑age selections and capitalize on home‑field advantage.
Jul 9, 2026
Steve Cherundolo Takes Charge of U.S. Under‑23 Soccer Ahead of 2028 Los Angeles Olympics
Steve Cherundolo, a World Cup veteran and MLS champion, is appointed head coach of the U.S. under‑23 team ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, bringing extensive playing and coaching experience to a host‑nation program.
Jul 9, 2026
2026 World Cup Sets New Viewership and Revenue Records
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has broken viewership and financial records, generating $13 billion in revenue and allocating $100 million to youth development, while the U.S. team exited in the round of 16.
Jul 9, 2026
U.S. Men’s Soccer Faces Persistent Hurdles Despite World Cup Expansion
The U.S. men's national team has repeatedly exited the World Cup at the round of 16, and despite new talent and a larger tournament format, deeper issues in coaching, defense and midfield remain.
Jul 9, 2026
U.S. Men’s Soccer Stagnates Despite World Cup Hopes
Despite high hopes and home‑field advantage, the U.S. men's national team fell 4‑1 to Belgium, exposing persistent defensive flaws and raising questions about coaching and player development.
Jul 9, 2026
Former U.S. Soccer CEO Dan Flynn Marks Full-Circle Moment at World Cup Final After Heart Transplant
After a decade‑long battle with a near‑ fatal heart condition, former U.S. Soccer Federation chief executive Dan Flynn returned to Kansas City to celebrate the World Cup final, thanking the organ donor who gave him a second chance at life.
Jul 8, 2026
Pochettino’s Turbulent Return Prospects for the 2030 World Cup
After a 4‑1 loss to Belgium in the 2026 World Cup, U.S. Soccer is weighing whether to re‑appoint Mauricio Pochettino for the 2030 tournament, a move that could reshape the nation's soccer narrative.
Jul 8, 2026
U.S. Men’s Soccer Stagnates Despite Investment and Rising Stars
The United States men's national team has repeatedly fallen short of expectations at recent World Cups, prompting scrutiny of its massive investments, player development, and coaching direction.
Jul 8, 2026
FIFA Suspends U.S. Officials Ahead of Crucial World Cup Clash
Two U.S. Soccer Federation officials were suspended by FIFA before a World Cup match against Belgium, a move unrelated to a later overturned red‑card involving Folarin Balogun. Former President Donald Trump discussed the incident with Gianni Infantino, insisting the call was not a foul. Belgium advanced to the quarterfinals and will meet Spain at Los Angeles Stadium.
Jul 8, 2026
U.S. Men’s Soccer Stagnates Despite Investment and Rising Stars
Recent World Cup exits highlight a lingering barrier for the U.S. men's national team, even as new talents emerge and the tournament format expands.
Jul 8, 2026
U.S. Soccer Staff Suspended by FIFA Ahead of Belgium Match
Two staff members of the United States men's national team have been suspended by FIFA before their World Cup game against Belgium, a move that appears unrelated to the recent controversy involving Folarin Balogun.
Jul 8, 2026
USMNT’s Future in Flux After 2026 World Cup Exit
The U.S. Men's National Team confronts a pivotal crossroads after a Round of 16 defeat, with leadership questions, a shifting roster, and upcoming continental competitions shaping the road to 2030.
Jul 7, 2026