Former Rangers defender Maurice Ross says South Africa’s 22‑year‑old centre‑back Olwethu Makhanya has the potential to become an elite European defender. After a €3.5 million move from MLS side Philadelphia Union to Rangers, Makhanya has already impressed, and Ross believes he can reach the highest level of the game. The piece, written by Alansary for AfricaSoccer.com, outlines Ross’s endorsement and the youngster’s promising start in Scotland.
Chicago Fire FC enter MLS Decision Day needing a win over Columbus Crew at SeatGeek Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 6, to lock the 4th seed and host Charlotte FC in the first playoff round. Captain Jack Elliott emphasizes the importance of home‑field advantage and maintaining momentum, noting the team’s confidence after a stronger 2026 season (16‑7‑10, 55 points). He reflects on a 0‑0 draw with Columbus in March and urges focus. Midfielder André Franco celebrates his 2026 comeback after an ACL injury, hoping for more minutes as the Fire aim for a deep postseason run.
Petar Musa scored 22 goals and carried FC Dallas into the top of the West. Here's his MVP case against Lionel Messi's three-peat bid, numbers and all.
The Seattle Sounders crumble in a 5-1 defeat to the Vancouver Whitecaps at BC Place, blowing a chance to stay alive in the playoffs. After just 50 seconds, Bruno Caicedo scores, and the hosts finish with 10 of 18 shots on target. Seattle dominates possession (49%) and completes 482 passes at 89% accuracy, yet produces no quality chances. Goalkeeper Andrew Thomas makes four saves, while defenders Nouhou, Jackson Ragen and Alex Roldán each post a zero‑tackle night as Vancouver dismantles the backline. The loss pushes Seattle to a minus‑3 goal differential heading into Decision Day against LAFC, leaving their postseason fate hanging by a thread.
Mexico’s 21‑player roster for the FIFA U‑17 World Cup in Doha (Nov 19–Dec 13) features two MLS prospects who have chosen the Mexican side over the United States. FC Dallas forward Da’vian Kimbrough, a 16‑year‑old dual‑national with one goal in seven MLS NEXT Pro games and a strong record for Mexico’s youth teams, opts for El Tri, sparking Real Madrid interest. Houston Dynamo’s 16‑year‑old Matthew Arana, who debuted in MLS at 15, also commits to Mexico, having already logged eight first‑team appearances. Both join other MLS‑based talents like Colorado Rapids midfielder Jonathan de la Fuente Trancoso and San Jose Earthquakes keeper Marcelo Ávalos, highlighting MLS’s growing role in Mexico’s youth pipeline.
Barcelona’s new coach Hansi Flick faces scrutiny over his rotation policy after midfielder Rodri suffers a month‑long injury following a 6-1 win over Alavés and a Champions League half‑time exit against Aston Villa. Rodri has logged nearly 1,000 minutes this season, while 17‑year‑old Lamine Yamal has played 1,265 minutes without a break. Former Atlético star Mario Suárez argues Flick should rest key players, especially with big‑margin victories that allow squad rotation, citing PSG’s model. Fans are asked to weigh in on whether the policy is becoming a problem.
A detailed scouting report on Colorado ahead of FC Dallas’ 2026 showdown, breaking down formations, key players, tendencies, and tactical edges.
Opta’s supercomputer forecasts a nail‑biting 2026 NWSL play‑offs, with Gotham FC as slight favourites at 21.2% to win the inaugural Championship. San Diego Wave trail closely at 20.4% and hold the highest odds (41.4%) to reach the final, edging Gotham’s 39.5% chance. Kansas City Current (18.0% win, 31.4% finals) and Washington Spirit (14.3% win, 30.3% finals) complete the front‑four, while Angel City, Portland Thorns, Seattle Reign and Utah Royals each linger under 10% for the title. Quarter‑finals see the Wave favored 57.7% over Utah, and Kansas City hold a narrow 50.6% edge against Angel City. No team enjoys a decisive advantage, promising plenty of twists before a champion emerges.
Mexico unveils its 21‑player roster for the 2026 U‑17 World Cup, led by coach Jurgen Castañeda. Goalkeepers include Marcelo Avalos (San Jose Earthquakes) and Jose Corona (Tijuana); defenders feature Adonai Valdez (América) and Andre Godínez (Chivas). Midfielders such as Saulo Tejeda (Dynamo Zagreb) and Matthew Arana (Houston Dynamo) join forwards Da’vian Kimbrough (FC Dallas) and Adán Sánchez (Monterrey). The team departs for a Dubai training camp on Nov. 5, with friendlies against Australia (Nov. 10) and Ivory Coast (Nov. 14). In Qatar’s Group K, Mexico opens against Romania on Nov. 21, then faces Cameroon (Nov. 24) and Venezuela (Nov. 27).
Everton plan to chase Palmeiras striker Vitor Roque in the January 2027 window, targeting the 21‑year‑old Brazilian after his resurgence in Brazil. Roque, who scored nine goals and two assists in 39 games this season (and 16 league goals last term), carries a €50 million price tag. The Toffees, who rely on Thierno Barry and recently missed out on Folarin Balogun, hope Roque can fill their striking void, though critics warn the club needs a proven scorer rather than another developing talent.
Como dominate the first half of their Champions League group match, soaring to a 3-0 lead over RC Lens at halftime. The Italian side opens the scoring in the seventh minute when Tasos Douvikas finishes a pass from M. Perrone, quickly seizing control and silencing the home crowd. Their relentless play sets the tone for matchday four, putting them in a strong position heading into the second half.
Saudi Pro League sides dominate the AFC Champions League Elite, amassing a record 150 points as the competition reaches the halfway point of its third season under the new format introduced in 2024‑25. The revised structure, which replaced the classic group stage, has seen Saudi clubs pull clear ahead of rivals, cementing their status as the tournament's most successful teams so far.
In a fresh ESPN700 interview, Real Salt Lake head coach Pablo Mastroeni outlines the club’s late‑season strategy, discusses their bid for an MLS Cup Playoffs spot, and previews the pivotal Decision Day clash against LA Galaxy on November 5. Mastroeni highlights key injuries, tactical tweaks, and the stakes for securing a postseason berth, while offering insight into the team’s morale and upcoming roster moves.
Former professional player and longtime Seattle-area coach takes over for Mutanda Kwesele as Ballard prepares for its sixth season in USL League Two.
Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister says he still hasn’t fully processed Lionel Messi’s retirement, which was announced after a friendly against Benin on Oct. 6, 2026. While respecting Messi’s decision, Mac Allister hints a “little door” may remain open for a possible return. He recalled Messi’s unprecedented record—208 caps, 126 goals, 69 assists, multiple World Cup and Copa America titles—and praised his continued fitness at Inter Miami. The interview underscores the emotional impact of losing a captain who defined Argentine football for 21 years.
Osaze Urhoghide anchors an FC Dallas back three built to win ugly. Here's the stats-backed case for MLS Defender of the Year, and what's working against him.
Everton are targeting Minnesota United striker Kelvin Yeboah for a January signing, according to Football Insider. The 26‑year‑old has netted 18 goals and added four assists in 32 MLS games this season, drawing interest from several European clubs. Moyes sees Yeboah as an affordable option to boost the Toffees’ attack amid budget uncertainty following the Friedkin Group’s decision to sell the club. Although Yeboah is under contract until December 2027, Everton hope to negotiate a reasonable fee. The move would add competition up front as Everton search for an extra striker before the transfer window closes.
Sporting Kansas City heads to Snapdragon Stadium for the final match of the 2026 MLS season, needing a win to keep their slim chances of escaping the league cellar alive. A three‑point victory, plus a favorable result for Vancouver, could finally rid SKC of the wooden spoon. The preview outlines what the club must do in this crucial West Coast showdown against San Diego.
Cristiano Ronaldo tops the Saudi Pro League with five Man‑of‑the‑Match awards this season, earning the honor in Al Nassr’s wins over Al Kholood, Al Faisaly, Diriyah, Abha and Al Taawoun. At 41, he has eight goals in 10 league games and leads the scoring chart. In MLS, Lionel Messi has secured three Player‑of‑the‑Matchday awards in 2026 (Matchdays 2, 8 and 23), the latter coming after a four‑goal, one‑assist performance in a 7‑1 win over CF Montreal, marking his 15th career MLS award. Messi leads the Golden Boot race with 26 goals in 30 matches as Inter Miami sit second in the Eastern Conference.
Erik Palmer-Brown, the 29‑year‑old former Sporting Kansas City homegrown defender, is poised for an MLS comeback after a stint with Panathinaikos in Greece. Sources say the center‑back could soon leave Europe and re‑join the American league, with MLS identified as his most likely destination. The report, cited by KC Soccer Journal and echoed by Kristian Dyer, hints at a potential move that would bring Palmer-Brown’s extensive overseas experience back to the U.S. market.
Lionel Messi tops MLS jersey sales for the fourth straight season, leading a 2026 ranking that runs from Jan. 1 to Oct. 30. He beats fellow World Cup winners Thomas Müller, Antoine Griezmann and teammate Rodrigo De Paul, while Son Heung‑min (LAFC) places second. Although Robert Lewandowski’s Chicago Fire shirt outsells Messi’s since his arrival, the Argentine still holds the No. 1 spot. Inter Miami dominates the market with three players in the top‑10—Messi, Luis Suárez and De Paul—outpacing all other clubs.
Final game of the season is here, and there is still something to play for.
The playful side of Sabalenka is evident onscreen opposite Brady, Beckham, and Hart
Two years after retiring, 22‑time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal accepts a seat on Real Madrid’s Board of Directors. The board approved his appointment on Nov. 4, 2026, and it will be ratified at an extraordinary General Assembly on Nov. 21. Nadal, member #67,778, thanked President Florentino Pérez, noting his excitement to contribute. The club highlighted his 92 titles, 22 majors, two Olympic golds and shared values of humility and competitiveness. Long‑time Madridista, Nadal has been linked to the club for years, making this his first formal role in its governance.
FC Dallas wing‑back Bernard Kamungo, 24, secures a second straight call‑up to Tanzania’s national team for the decisive 2027 AFCON qualifying matches against Nigeria. After featuring in the October window, the Tanzanian‑born MLS player joins the squad for the upcoming double‑header, underscoring his growing role in the team's push for a tournament berth.