Shibbir Ahmed, New York – New York City FC will face Los Angeles Football Club in a crucial Major League Soccer (MLS) regular-season matchup on Saturday, October 17, at Citi Field in Queens, New York, as the home side looks to regain momentum in the race for a playoff place. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time, with the match available to watch on Apple TV. The fixture was originally scheduled for November 4 before being moved to October 17, according to NYCFC’s official schedule announcement.

The match comes at a difficult time for NYCFC, which slipped below the Eastern Conference playoff qualification line following a 2–0 defeat to Inter Miami on Wednesday. With the regular season approaching its conclusion, the club faces mounting pressure to collect points and strengthen its position in the standings. A positive result against LAFC would offer an important opportunity to restore confidence and keep its postseason hopes alive.

LAFC, meanwhile, arrives in New York after earning a 3–1 victory over Austin FC. Denis Bouanga scored twice in that match, reinforcing his importance to the Los Angeles attack. His pace, movement and finishing ability could pose a significant challenge for NYCFC’s defense. The home side will need to limit the space available to Bouanga while maintaining control in midfield if it hopes to contain the visitors’ attacking threat.

The match will take place at Citi Field, located at 41 Seaver Way, Flushing, Queens, New York, NY 11368. Supporters traveling by public transportation can take the No. 7 subway train to Mets–Willets Point station. The Long Island Rail Road’s Port Washington Branch also serves the station. According to the club’s match-day information, shuttle buses will operate from designated parking locations on Long Island, in New Jersey, and in the Bronx and Westchester area. Advance shuttle fares start at $8 per person, while a four-person family package costs $22. These prices cover shuttle transportation only and do not include admission to the match.

NYCFC will also host an Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Night during the game. The club has announced that the first 10,000 fans entering the stadium will receive a charm bracelet, with early arrival recommended for supporters hoping to receive the giveaway.

Ticket prices may vary depending on seat location, availability, seller and additional fees. Some online resale listings have indicated starting prices of approximately $40 to $51, although those figures should not be treated as guaranteed prices. Fans should check the latest availability and total cost before purchasing through the official Ticketmaster event page or NYCFC’s official match information. Prices and available seating may change as the game approaches.

With playoff implications hanging over the contest, NYCFC will be eager to capitalize on home-field support and avoid losing further ground in the Eastern Conference race. LAFC, on the other hand, will seek to build on its recent victory and maintain its momentum. The outcome could prove significant for both teams as they pursue their respective goals in the closing stages of the MLS regular season.

CHESTER, Pa. — In a captivating showdown between women’s soccer titans, the U.S. Women’s National Team fought back from a two-goal halftime deficit to secure a dramatic 2–2 draw against reigning World Cup champion Spain at Subaru Park. The result brought a spirited end to the October international window, showing the growth and fight head coach Emma Hayes demanded following a 2–0 loss to La Roja three days earlier in Washington, D.C.

Spain picked up right where they left off in the opening match, overwhelming the American defensive lines with relentless possession and crisp combination play. The visitors broke through in the 26th minute when two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas marked her 150th international cap with a pristine finish past the U.S. defense.

Just five minutes later, Spain capitalized on a costly defensive mix-up in the box. Salma Paralluelo pounced on the error to double the lead, sending the world champions into the halftime tunnel firmly in control at 2–0.

Refusing to fold before the crowd of 18,648, the USWNT emerged from the break with renewed urgency and direct vertical play. The rally began in the 48th minute through Ashley Sanchez. Making her first national team start in nearly two years, Sanchez collected a pass on the edge of the penalty box and drilled a low shot into the far corner to slice the deficit in half.The momentum fully swung toward the Americans as they pressed higher up the pitch.

The dramatic moment arrived in the 86th minute when substitute Michelle Cooper floated a dangerous ball into the box. Mallory Swanson, making her return to the squad following parental leave, controlled the pass and volleyed it past Spanish goalkeeper Misa Rodríguez. The equalizer marked Swanson’s first goal for the national team since the Paris 2024 Olympic gold medal match.

While going winless across the two-game series against Spain leaves room for growth, Emma Hayes embraced the challenge of measuring her squad against the top-ranked team in the world. “If I’m here to merely protect a wins record, then I’ll pick a lesser opponent,” Hayes said after the match. “I’m here to see how much the gap has closed with them, and then how far away are we, and keep working towards it, because they’re the best team in the world for a reason.”

The USWNT will now regroup before official competition begins on November 27, 2026, when they face El Salvador in the quarterfinals of the Concacaf W Championship in Mansfield, Texas. The tournament serves as the official qualifying pathway for both the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

ST. PAUL, Minn – In the fourth and final international match of the fall window, the U.S. Men’s National Team defeated Canada 1-0 in a physical and intense contest to earn the team’s fourth consecutive win and second straight shutout that continued the program’s perfect record at Allianz Field.

The meeting between the Concacaf neighbors and fellow Round of 16 participants at FIFA World Cup 2026 concluded a three-week long camp for the U.S. In four matches across September and October, the U.S. tallied four victories, two clean sheets, 12 goals and 13 debutants to showcase an exciting blend of veteran leadership and young talent and finish the first window of the FIFA World Cup 2030 cycle on a soaring note under head coach Mauricio Pochettino.

Pochettino rotated his lineup heavily again tonight, making six changes to the group that started Saturday’s match against Mexico. The five holdovers were fullback Alex Freeman, midfielder Gio Reyna, midfielder Malik Tillman, defender Auston Trusty and center back Chris Richards.

Richards captained the USMNT for the fourth time and first since March 31, 2026, against Portugal. In goal, Brian Schwake of Nashville SC earned his first international start, becoming the fourth different goalkeeper to start for the U.S. in this window.

Starting XI & Lineup Notes: USMNT vs. Canada

The home side started the match against Canada in control of possession and patient on the ball, drawing five fouls from the opponent before committing its first. Overall, the Canadians committed 13 fouls in the first half, the U.S. team keeping their poise as they continued to push for the opener. Nonetheless it was the visitors that managed the first shot, a laser that forward Tani Oluwaseyl fired well wide of goal in the 10th minute. A short pass on a direct free kick in the 13th minute led to a low shot from forward Liam Miller that rolled wide.

The teams went back-and-forth trying to find the final pass that would break the opponent’s line, and Canada put a couple shots on target to test the USA’s first-time starter.

In the 24th minute, the U.S. had one of its best defensive moments of the first half after Canada turned over a play quickly for a chance from close range. A pass slipped through in front of goal, and defender George Campbell, earning his third cap, put his boot on the ball for a strong block inside the six-yard box.

Like Saturday’s win over Mexico, the U.S. broke through with a goal from one of the team’s young forwards. This time it was Justin Ellis, who also scored the fastest goal by a debutant in USMNT modern history against Peru. The teenager striker for Orlando City SC got on the end of a Freeman cross after a delightful exchange with Malik Tilllman to open the scoring on the night. The first half ended with a couple of corner kicks for the U.S., including one that Trusty put on his laces but skied over frame.

Teams were allowed to make 11 substitutions, and Pochettino made his first at the halftime break, sending on forward Julian Hall, midfielder Sebastian Berhalter and wingback Sergiño Dest for Ellis, Reyna and midfielder Yunus Musah, who earned his 50th career cap at the age of 24.

The USMNT’s defense continued to protect its one-goal lead heading into the second 45. In the opening minutes of the half, Freeman showed tremendous effort to hunt down a 50-50 ball toward the endline and save the ball from rolling out of bounds for a Canada corner kick. Moments later, the 22-year-old intercepted a pass around the halfway mark to halt Canada’s attack from progressing.

In the 61st minute, Pochettino sent on forward Cole Campbell as a substitute, marking the international debut of the 20-year-old for SV Elversberg. With Campbell’s appearance, all 28 players on Pochettino’s roster earned at least one cap in the four-match stretch.

Moments later, the U.S. stopped a golden chance for Canada on a direct free kick from the left side of the pitch. Defender Luc de Fougerolles received the kick that was floating toward the far post, and he launched a strike on frame. Schwake stretched his reach to push the shot into the crossbar with his big glove for one of his three saves of the match.

The final minutes of the match required a collective defensive effort to hold off a Canada side motivated to equalize. Schwake collected a near post shot in the 83rd and together, the Americans stood firm to hold a one-goal lead for more than 60 minutes and earn the group’s second straight clean sheet.

Tuesday’s match concludes fall camp for the USMNT. The next FIFA window opens Nov. 9 and the team will face Haiti in the Quarterfinals of the Concacaf Nations League in a home-and-home series. The first match will be played Nov. 14 at a site to be determined, with the return leg slated for Nov. 17 at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Goal Scoring Rundown:

USA – JUSTIN ELLIS (ALEX FREEMAN), 29th minute: Freeman on the right side of the pitch received a ball into space from Malik Tillman on a give-and-go. The fullback carried the ball toward goal with two dribbles, then looked up to pinpoint his target on the other side of Canada goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair. He pushed a ball toward the far post from about eight yards from goal, and Ellis came flying in with a first-time touch from close range to drive a shot into the back of the net. USA 1, CAN 0

WASHINGTON, D.C. — International women’s football is set to witness a heavyweight spectacle this October as the top two ranked sides on the planet—reigning Olympic champions the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) and reigning FIFA Women’s World Cup champions Spain—lock horns in a highly anticipated two-match international friendly series on the East Coast.
Olympics.com

The marquee matchup brings together the elite gold standard of the modern game, serving up a high-stakes tactical chess match and an early litmus test with an eye toward future global tournaments.

The two-game series kicks off on Saturday, October 10, at Audi Field in Washington, D.C., with kickoff scheduled for 2:30 PM local time. The action then shifts north for the second fixture on Tuesday, October 13, heading to Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania, with a 7:00 PM ET kickoff.

Both fixtures offer fans a rare chance to witness a clash between global titans. Historically, meetings between the U.S. and Spain have been tightly contested, tactical affairs, with neither side conceding ground. Since their first encounter in 2019, the USWNT holds a narrow head-to-head advantage, though Spain claimed victory in their most recent meeting back in 2022.
www.olympics.com

Fans attending or tuning into the series will be treated to a pitch glittering with world-class talent. Spain arrives boasting a technical, possession-oriented powerhouse spearheaded by Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas and Patri Guijarro. Speaking ahead of the fixtures, veteran Spanish defender Irene Paredes emphasized that La Roja is approaching the friendlies with maximum competitive intensity, treating the encounters with the gravity of a World Cup match.

Meanwhile, Emma Hayes’ youthful and dynamic USWNT squad features explosive attacking threats like Trinity Rodman and Alyssa Thompson, ready to test Spain’s defensive structure down the flanks. Both camps enter the window dealing with minor personnel adjustments—notably, the U.S. missing defensive stalwart Naomi Girma due to injury, and Spain navigating the absence of midfielder Mariona Caldentey. Nevertheless, depth across both rosters ensures a pair of fiercely competitive battles.

For supporters unable to make it to Audi Field or Subaru Park, the matches will be broadcast extensively. In the United States, English-language coverage will be carried across TNT Sports and streaming on Max, with Spanish-language broadcasts available on Universo and Peacock. Radio coverage will also be provided nationwide by Westwood One Sports.

As the world’s number one and number two sides square off, this October series promises a thrilling preview of the absolute apex of international women’s football.

COLUMBUS, Ohio: Lionel Messi scored a spectacular free kick, but Inter Miami CF suffered a late 2-1 defeat to the Columbus Crew on Sunday night. Messi’s brilliant strike from a tight angle canceled out Josef Martínez’s 28th-minute penalty, but Jamal Thiaré scored deep into stoppage time to give Columbus all three points at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field.

Columbus opened the scoring in the 28th minute when Martínez converted from the penalty spot. Just five minutes later, Messi responded with a stunning free kick from the right side of the field. Despite the difficult angle, the Argentine forward curled the ball perfectly into the net to level the match at 1-1. The goal was Messi’s 21st in the 2026 Major League Soccer regular season, extending his lead in the league’s Golden Boot race. Major League Soccer subsequently highlighted Messi’s strike among the standout goals of Matchday 28, describing it as a goal scored from an “impossible angle.”

Inter Miami had chances to take the lead after halftime, but Columbus goalkeeper Patrick Schulte made several important saves. Messi came close again in the 62nd minute, but his left-footed effort from outside the box was saved by Schulte. Inter Miami also had a goal ruled out for offside later in the second half. The match appeared headed for a draw until the eighth minute of stoppage time. Jamal Thiaré found the net from inside the box in the 98th minute, sending the home crowd into celebration and giving Columbus a dramatic 2-1 victory.

The victory was significant for Columbus, which secured consecutive league wins for only the second time this season. The Crew also moved within four points of ninth-place New York City FC in the Eastern Conference playoff race. A record crowd of 21,188 watched the match at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field.

Inter Miami will return home for its next Major League Soccer regular-season match against D.C. United on October 10. Despite the defeat, Messi remains the league’s leading scorer with 21 goals this season.

Final Score:
Columbus Crew 2-1 Inter Miami CF

Goals:
28′ — Josef Martínez (Columbus)
33′ — Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
90+8′ — Jamal Thiaré (Columbus)

Sports Desk: Football fans around the world are eagerly awaiting the announcement of this year’s Ballon d’Or winner, with Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal among the names being widely discussed as favorites. However, former England football legend David Beckham believes the prestigious award should go to Lionel Messi.

On Thursday (September 17), Inter Miami defeated Cruz Azul in the final of the 2026 Michelob ULTRA Campeones Cup to lift the trophy. Messi played a direct role in both of Inter Miami’s goals. He scored the opening goal himself before setting up the second, which Casemiro headed into the net.

Speaking to Apple TV, Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham said, “After seeing his performance tonight and the way he played at the World Cup, it’s fair to say that being in the Ballon d’Or conversation again is no fluke. He was one of the best players in the tournament, and he has had an incredible year.”

Beckham added, “To go to a World Cup at 39 and have such an impact in every game is something special. Nobody else is playing football at this level at that age. So I think it’s absolutely reasonable to consider him for the Ballon d’Or. In my opinion, he should win it. There are great players on the list, like Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham, but when it comes to Leo, I will always be one of his biggest supporters.”

Messi’s influence at Inter Miami has also been significant over the past year. Last season, he played a key role in helping the club win its first MLS Cup. He also helped Argentina reach the World Cup final for a second consecutive time. Messi became the first player in history to start in three World Cup finals. He also produced an impressive campaign at the World Cup, scoring eight goals and providing four assists

BUENOS AIRES — Argentina captain Lionel Messi has officially announced his retirement from international football, bringing a definitive close to a legendary 21-year career with La Albiceleste. The 39-year-old icon shared the emotional news via social media, revealing that he originally penned his farewell letter on July 21—just two days after Argentina’s heartbreaking 1–0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. While he initially contemplated making the announcement then, he delayed the public statement following the passing of his father, Jorge Messi, in August.

“After all this time since the final, and after thinking about it a lot, I want to tell everyone that I’m retiring from the national team,” Messi wrote. “It was a decision that hurt—and still hurts deep down—but I understand that the time has come. I’ve given everything I had; I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are some great young players coming up who deserve to be here.”

A Storied Legacy of Redemption and Glory

Messi walks away as a national hero and the heartbeat of modern Argentine football. After years of near-misses and heavy scrutiny early in his career—which famously included a brief, short-lived international retirement in 2016—Messi authored one of the greatest redemption arcs in sports history.

He finishes his international career holding virtually every major record for his country, racking up 125 goals in 207 record-breaking appearances. His major trophy haul includes the 2022 FIFA World Cup, back-to-back Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024, and an Olympic gold medal in 2008.

His crowning achievement came in Qatar in 2022, when he dragged Argentina to global glory, cementing his status alongside Diego Maradona. Even in his final international tournament this past summer, Messi dazzled with eight goals and four assists, guiding the defending champions all the way to the World Cup final before falling narrowly to Spain.

“Now I’ll Be One of You”

In his farewell message, Messi expressed profound gratitude to the fans, his family, and his teammates who shared the journey with him.

“Thank you for all the love during these 20 years. I’m going to miss hearing you from the inside,” Messi said. “Now I’ll be one of you, always supporting from the outside, in the good times and even more in the bad ones. … Thank you, God, for making me Argentine. Vamos Argentina!”

With his international chapter officially closed, Messi will turn his full focus toward his club career with Inter Miami in MLS, leaving the football world to reflect on the departure of one of the greatest artists the sport has ever seen.

DHAKA – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today said that alongside the iconic children’s talent hunt programme ‘Notun Kuri’, his government is now planning to introduce another nationwide programme named ‘Notun Kuri Sports’ aimed at hunting new talents in the sports arena.

“As you know, we pledged in our party’s election manifesto that we want to create new players for various sports in Bangladesh’s sports arena and to give the sports a professional shape,” he said.

“Therefore, alongside the “Notun Kuri” programme, we have decided to introduce ‘Notun Kuri Sports’. We have a plan to introduce interclass sports competition in every school in every district, upazila, and union level,” the premier added.

Tarique Rahman, also ruling BNP chairman, made the remarks while distributing prize of a friendly football match at the national stadium here this afternoon. Bangladesh Football Federation organized the match on the occasion of the Independence and National Day. Earlier, the Prime Minister inaugurated the match and along with his daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman enjoyed the game.

The premier greeted everyone on the occasion of Independence and National Day. Noting that the government has a goal to ensure that Bangladesh can bring more honor in international sports forums, he said his government has a plan and effort to develop skilled players so that the country can achieve better results in international competitions.

On the occasion of Independence Day, Tarique Rahman called upon everyone, especially those who are directly or indirectly involved in sports, to take a collective decision and work together to develop the sports sector.

He said that efforts should be made to build the sports sector of Bangladesh in a beautiful and inclusive manner, beyond difference of party or opinion. “I believe that sports have the ability to create bonds of friendship and brotherhood among us, just as it can bring honour for the country,” the Prime Minister said.

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo, State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku, State Minister for Road Transport and Highways Division and Railways Ministry Habibur Rashid, State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque, Dhaka City South BNP Convener Rafiqul Alam Majnu, Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Saleh Shibly and Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman were present at the function.

Retired USWNT legend Alex Morgan says the NWSL will continue to attract top domestic and international players even under its $3.3M salary cap, which rises to $5.1M by 2030. Speaking ahead of her jersey retirement with the San Diego Wave, Morgan pointed to the league’s competitiveness, improved facilities, and consistent high-level matches as major draws.

Her comments follow Alyssa Thompson’s record move to Chelsea and other big-money transfers abroad, which have fueled debate over whether Europe’s spending power could lure away talent.

Morgan, now a Wave minority owner, acknowledged the growing fees — with multiple $1M+ transfers this year — but said the NWSL’s week-to-week intensity still makes it “the most competitive league in the world.”

USWNT forward Alyssa Thompson has joined Chelsea from Angel City FC in a record-breaking transfer, one of the most expensive in women’s soccer. The 20-year-old leaves behind her role as Angel City’s star player to test herself against some of the world’s best in England.

For Chelsea, the signing fits their “Vision 2030” strategy of securing elite young talent. With Mayra Ramírez sidelined long-term, Thompson adds immediate depth and long-term promise as the club continues its push for the elusive Champions League title.

For Thompson, it’s a chance to grow: daily training with top players, tougher league and European matches, and a more competitive environment than the mid-table NWSL side she leaves. While she won’t walk into Chelsea as the star, she will gain valuable experience that should also benefit the USWNT.

For Angel City and the NWSL, it’s a major loss — both on the field and symbolically. Thompson was a hometown face of the league, and her departure highlights the challenge U.S. clubs face in keeping top talent amid Europe’s growing pull.

In her own words, Thompson’s goals with Chelsea are clear: “Win the Champions League. Develop as a player. Win — a lot.”