As U.S. soccer fans eagerly anticipate the 2026 World Cup, last year served as an exciting prelude filled with intriguing events.
In the summer leading up to the tournament, FIFA’s president seemed to inflate the price of the Club World Cup to appease his political allies.
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South Florida stood out during this period as a vibrant hub, showcasing remarkable performances from artists who left audiences in awe. The Vanilla organization, which employed these talents, plans to adapt its schedule to align with European practices starting in 2027 while introducing German and Korean culinary influences.
The 2025 soccer landscape seems favorable, with a variety of entertaining experiences en route as the new year approaches.
(Illustration by Taylor Wilhelm/Yahoo Sports)
(Illustration by Taylor Wilhelm/Yahoo Sports)
Emergence of USMNT
Under Mauricio Pochettino’s leadership, the U.S. men’s national team has seen transformative progress. Wrapping up the year with a five-match unbeaten stretch, optimism is building as they head into the World Cup year.
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After a rough patch last March in the Nations League, the national team rebounded impressively this fall under the Argentine coach. Their most notable performance came in a 5-1 rout of Uruguay, where even without key players like Christian Pulisic and Tyler Adams, they showcased remarkable skill.
While it was a friendly match against a team guided by renowned coach Marcelo Bielsa, the victory should not be undermined. This camp also highlighted the growth of younger players like Max Alfsten, Alex Freeman, and Sebastian Berhalter, whom Pochettino has integrated into the squad over the past year.
Messi’s Stellar Impact
In the future, fans will reminisce about Lionel Messi’s time in MLS, recalling his remarkable performances.
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The Argentine star scored 29 goals and recorded 19 assists in 28 regular season matches and continued to shine in the playoffs with six goals and nine assists, contributing two assists in Inter Miami’s championship win against the Vancouver Whitecaps. He also made history as the first player to win MVP in back-to-back seasons during the league’s three-decade history.
Messi has elevated the profile of soccer in the U.S. with his talent and energy, and his recent contract extension ensures he’ll continue to make headlines while donning Miami’s distinctive pink jersey.
FIFA’s Controversies
FIFA’s president, Gianni Infantino, often claims the organization is the “official provider of happiness to humanity.”
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However, many fans are frustrated by the exorbitant ticket prices for the World Cup and the reselling fees. Although FIFA has made some price adjustments, those planning to attend the upcoming tournament are still facing exorbitant costs.
Political Maneuvering
To secure a successful World Cup bid, Infantino frequently praised U.S. President Donald Trump, meeting with him often and joining diplomatic missions in the Middle East.
To gain favor, Infantino created the FIFA Peace Prize, which was awarded to Trump during the World Cup draw at the Kennedy Center in Washington instead of Las Vegas.
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Expanded Tournament Issues
The idea of a larger tournament to crown the best clubs globally initially sounded appealing but proved to be logistically challenging. Infantino’s concept of 24 participating teams required extensive travel throughout the U.S. this summer.
The Club World Cup faced numerous issues, from player fatigue after a long season and unwilling clubs to concerns over field conditions and weather-related disruptions. Notably, even the championship celebration was overshadowed as President Trump focused on Chelsea’s win at MetLife Stadium.
Reduced Women’s Offensive Power
The signature U.S. women’s strategy, dubbed the “Triple Espresso,” which prominently featured Trinity Rodman, Sophia Wilson, and Mallory Swanson, suffered this year. With Wilson and Swanson on maternity leave and Rodman limited to one game due to injuries, new players like Michelle Cooper and Allie Sentner stepped up and netted 10 goals collectively.
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Catalina Macario also emerged as a key player, making significant contributions with eight goals and two assists across 10 matches. Overall, coach Emma Hayes utilized 43 players in 15 games, with over half of the goals and assists coming from those aged 24 and younger.
Rodman’s Future
In a bid to retain Rodman, the National Women’s Soccer League is considering changes to its salary cap rules amidst the risk of losing her abroad. With other prominent U.S. talents moving to European clubs, the NWSL faces challenges in maintaining its competitive edge against teams willing to offer lucrative deals.
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Pochettino’s Memorable Quotes
Pochettino has made a significant impact during his brief tenure, despite English not being his first language. He warned players against a relaxed attitude, stating, “If you want to get to camp and have a good time, that’s not the culture we want to create.” He famously illustrated his coaching philosophy with a metaphor, saying, “You can’t be Harry Potter and just wave a wand to create magic.”
Moreover, during summer tensions involving Pulisic, he asserted, “I’m a coach, not a mannequin.”
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Positive MLS Decisions
The league has decided to pause its 2026 season during the World Cup, aiming to allow the tournament to shine without competition from MLS. Beginning in 2027, MLS will adopt a new schedule aligned with European leagues, transitioning from a February-December format to a mid-to-late summer season that runs until the following spring, while incorporating a winter break.
Poor MLS Choices
A significant gap will exist in early 2027 before the league transitions its calendar, leading to a brief “sprint season” with each team playing only 14 games. This compact schedule risks undermining the true merit of teams, making it essential to devise a more meaningful trophy rather than the standard MLS Cup.
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From Highs to Lows
The LA Galaxy were not expected to be champions again, especially with Riqui Puig sidelined. However, their drastic decline was notable; they failed to secure a win in their first 16 matches and ended at the bottom of the Western Conference. A late-season surge improved them slightly, but coach Greg Vanney ended up getting a contract extension despite the disappointing performance.
Continental Challenges
While MLS touts its progress, its struggles in CONCACAF tell a different story. Since D.C. United’s 1998 Champions Cup win, only twice has a league team clinched the trophy. In 2022, the Seattle Sounders succeeded, but in 2023, teams faced setbacks, underscoring ongoing challenges.
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Old Stars Join the League
MLS announced the arrival of two notable European players: Bayern Munich’s Thomas Muller and Tottenham’s Son Heung-min. Their involvement has enhanced the league’s global appeal, yet the influx of older stars continues to feed the narrative that MLS serves as a retirement league.
Family Successes
The Berhalter family thrived this year; Gregg, former U.S. national team coach, returned to coaching with Chicago Fire, guiding them to the playoffs for the first time since 2017. Meanwhile, his son Sebastian enjoyed a standout season, making a case for a spot in the World Cup squad.
Continuing Family Legacy
Michael Bradley, a former U.S. player, has taken the helm of the New York Red Bulls, following his father’s extensive coaching career in MLS, the national team, and beyond.
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What Playoffs?
Although Kansas City Current and Louisville City had stellar regular seasons, both were eliminated in the first playoff round. Philadelphia, while not as dominant, secured a place in the Eastern Conference semifinals, showing the unpredictability of playoffs.
What Regular Season?
In 2023 and 2025, Gotham FC reached the playoffs as the lowest seeds, but ultimately emerged as champions. This year, they defeated higher-seeded teams by scoring in dramatic late-game situations, showcasing their resilience.
USL’s Ambitions
The United Soccer League (USL) aims to create a first-division league to compete with MLS, alongside a European-style promotion and relegation system among its leagues. Still, the USL must address challenges such as team stability and attendance.
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Timing Drama
College soccer continues to break convention with its countdown clock, which some purists deem problematic. Games have seen last-minute thrills, notably with TCU and Tufts achieving late-game equalizers and advancing dramatically.
Pure Joy
No one embodies soccer joy quite like Rooh LaBonta, whose goal celebrations resemble a dance. This season, her performance earned her a spot on the national team at age 32, a dream realization for the player.
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Fan Take: This news is significant for soccer fans as it highlights the evolution of U.S. soccer, from emerging talent in the national teams to the impact of global stars like Lionel Messi, which elevates the sport’s profile. The anticipation for the upcoming World Cup adds a layer of excitement, promising to bring even more attention and resources to soccer in America.
