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Articles by Jon Arnold
Why isn’t Thibaut Courtois playing vs Barcelona? Real Madrid goalkeeper out for El Clasico Original
Oct. 25, 2026, 2:23 p.m. ET Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is set to miss one of the most important matches of the season. The shot-stopper started for Los Blancos during the week in a UEFA Champions League victory against RB Leipzig, but the club announced Sunday that Courtois had to withdraw from the squad hours before the El Clásico rivarly tilt with FC Barcelona. The Belgian has of a case of the flu he wasn't able to overcome to be fit enough to be part of the roster.
FC Barcelona vs. Real Madrid: El Clasico LIVE updates, Original
Oct. 25, 2026, 2:01 p.m. ET El Clásico is here. FC Barcelona enters the matchup against Real Madrid leading the rival Blancos by six points in the table. Barcelona is off to a flying start, winning every La Liga game so far this season, but a 4-2 reverse against PSG in Paris during the week showed Hansi Flick's side isn't invincible.
Why isn’t Thibaut Courtois playing vs Barcelona? Real Madrid goalkeeper out for El Clasico
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is set to miss one of the most important matches of the season. The shot-stopper started for Los Blancos during the week in a UEFA Champions League victory against RB Leipzig, but the club announced Sunday that Courtois had to withdraw from the squad hours before the El Clásico rivarly tilt with FC Barcelona. The Belgian has of a case of the flu he wasn't able to overcome to be fit enough to be part of the roster.
Embattled FIFA president gets major endorsement in re-election bid Original
Updated Oct. 23, 2026, 5:14 p.m. ET The president of the Asian Football Confederation has thrown his support behind FIFA president Gianni Infantino's re-election bid, seeming to put aside concerns expressed after the 2026 World Cup.
Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany rushed to hospital after collapse
Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany collapsed after the team's training session Friday, Oct. 23 while watching second-team training and was rushed to the hospital, the German club said in statement. An air ambulance helicopter was sent to the team's training ground, but Sky Germany reported that the Belgian manager was in stable condition "Vincent Kompany required medical attention after collapsing during an FC Bayern reserve team training session on Friday.
USMNT's Joe Scally scores cheeky goal with back-heel flick Original
Updated Oct. 23, 2026, 3:51 p.m. ET A clever decision from Joe Scally led to the opening goal for Borussia Mönchengladbach. The American defender was the target of a cross in the box in the 38th minute of his team's Bundesliga visit to Stuttgart, but he couldn't win the ball. Instead, it was cleared toward the top of the area where Scally's teammate Zento Uno hit a shot off the volley.
Ligue 1 postpones PSG-Lyon match with more demonstrations planned in Paris Original
Oct. 23, 2026, 12:05 p.m. ET Paris Saint-Germain's home match against Lyon has been moved from Sunday, Oct. 25 to Monday, Oct. 26 after a request from the Préfecture de Police de Paris, the department in charge of public security in the region. Ligue 1 announced the decision on Friday, Oct. 23, with police preparing for another wave of protests after last week's demonstrations against the high cost of living and worsening public education turned into a night of violence and looting.
Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany rushed to hospital after collapse Original
Updated Oct. 23, 2026, 12:25 p.m. ET Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany collapsed after the team's training session Friday, Oct. 23 while watching second-team training and was rushed to the hospital, the German club said in statement. An air ambulance helicopter was sent to the team's training ground, but Sky Germany reported that the Belgian manager was in stable condition. "Vincent Kompany had to seek medical treatment on Friday after collapsing during training for FC Bayern's amateurs.
Why ESPN is broadcasting El Clásico, soccer's biggest club rivalry, on ABC Original
Oct. 22, 2026, 2:58 p.m. ET The biggest soccer match in Spain is coming to broadcast TV in the United States. El Clásico, the rivalry match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, is different, whether it serves as a de facto title match or simply is for bragging rights. This year, it will be getting a new type of coverage.
Bayern Munich, Arsenal stay undefeated in UEFA Champions League after battling to draw
4:53 pm ET October 21, 2026Share this update FT: Bayern Munich 2-2 Arsenal That'll do it! We'll have more coverage of this match, Manchester United frustration in Como and the rest of the UEFA Champions League action here on USA Today Sports. Stay with us. 4:49 pm ET October 21, 2026Share this update 88' Luis Diaz goes down The Colombia international is getting some attention from the trainers, and he won't be able to continue.
US Open Cup final a reminder soccer history started long before Messi and MLS Original
Oct. 21, 2026, 8:02 a.m. ET Soccer in America did not start with Lionel Messi's arrival, nor David Beckham's or even with the 1994 World Cup on these shores or the birth of MLS two years later. The U.S. Open Cup is a reminder. Tracing its history to the 1914 competition for the National Challenge Cup, the Open Cup is well over 100 years old. The history of the competition itself tells many smaller stories about soccer in the U.S. and the country itself.
Why isn't Erling Haaland starting for Manchester City vs. AEK Athens? Original
Updated Oct. 20, 2026, 3:08 p.m. ET Erling Haaland is not in the lineup for Manchester City as the Premier League leaders take on AEK Athens in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, Oct. 20. Haaland has been on a tear, scoring five goals in his last three matches including a double against Ipswich Town last time out. The superstar forward was seen limping after that match, though he told his manager he was "OK," following the game.
PSG vs. FC Barcelona: LIVE updates, starting lineups & more from UEFA Champions League showdown
2:47 pm ET Ousmane Dembele chasing a PSG record Jon Arnold The Ballon d'Or winner has scored at least one goal in the last six UEFA Champions League matches PSG has played dating back to last year's successful title defense. If he scores tonight, he'll match the club record, currently held by Uruguay great Edinson Cavani.
PSG vs. FC Barcelona: LIVE updates, starting lineups & more from UEFA Champions League showdown
It is a marquee UEFA Champions League match, with reigning champion Paris Saint-Germain hosting FC Barcelona PSG manager Luis Enrique sees his former team visit the Parc des Princes in excellent form. Barcelona is yet to even drop points in a match this season, winning every La Liga match so far and also thrashing Feyenoord and Galatasaray in their first matches.
PSG beats Barcelona after second-half chaos UEFA Champions League showdown
4:57 pm ET October 20, 2026Share this update FT: PSG 4-2 FC Barcelona That'll do it. It was a game that ended up reaching the level of expectations we had for it with the goals coming in the second half after a somewhat cautious opening 45 minutes. Plenty of injury updates to come, plus more coverage of this match, so stay with us on USA TODAY Sports.
Will Haaland play vs. AEK Athens? Manchester City projected XI, team news Original
Oct. 20, 2026, 7:30 a.m. ET Manchester City welcomes AEK Athens in a UEFA Champions League match on Tuesday, Oct. 20, continuing to look great on the field even as trouble looms off it. City polished off Ipswich Town this weekend to make it seven wins from seven Premier League matches. The Sky Blues also won its UEFA Champions League debut 2-0 over Porto, though it suffered a 4-2 reverse against reigning champion Paris Saint-Germain last week.
US women's team scores 17 goals in record-breaking win in U-17 World Cup
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Who is the best-paid soccer player? Ronaldo, Messi battle atop Forbes rich list
The debate between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi may rage on forever, but there is a clear winner in one category. Ronaldo makes more money. At least, that's what Forbes ' latest list of highest-earning soccer players in the world indicates, with the Al-Nassr star clearing more than double what the Inter Miami forward makes in the publication's calculations for 2026. The financial publication long has estimated the worth of not only top athletes but also businesspeople and other celebrities.
US women's team scores 17 goals in record-breaking win in U-17 World Cup
US women's team scores 17 goals in record-breaking win in U-17 World Cup
US women's team scores 17 goals in record-breaking win in U-17 World Cup Original
Oct. 19, 2026, 5:47 p.m. ET The United States U-17 women's national team has only played one match at the U-17 Women's World Cup, but it already holds a record. A 17-0 victory over Samoa is the biggest win ever in a FIFA World Cup event at any level. It took Maddie DiMaria 62 seconds to score the first of the six goals she would record against the Pacific Islanders, and the scoring pace rarely dipped for the Americans. "We're really happy with the result," U.S. manager Ciara Crinion said after.
Who is the best-paid soccer player? Ronaldo, Messi battle atop Forbes Rich List
Oct. 19, 2026, 2:38 p.m. ET The debate between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi may rage on forever, but there is a clear winner in one category. Ronaldo makes more money. At least, that's what Forbes' latest list of highest-earning soccer players in the world indicates, with the Al-Nassr star clearing more than double what the Inter Miami forward makes in the publication's calculations for 2026.
2026 Ballon d'Or candidates by odds
2026 Ballon d'Or candidates by odds Oct. 19, 2026, 12:45 p.m. ET The Ballon d'Or will be awarded Oct. 26 in London, and for the first time in years there is real suspense around who will win the top individual prize in men's soccer. For many years, a race between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, those greats departing the European club stage has opened up the competition.
US women's team scores 17 goals in record-breaking win in U-17 World Cup
The United States U-17 women's national team has only played one match at the U-17 Women's World Cup, but it already holds a record. A 17-0 victory over Samoa is the biggest win ever in a FIFA World Cup event at any level. It took Maddie DiMaria 62 seconds to score the first of the six goals she would record against the Pacific Islanders, and the scoring pace rarely dipped for the Americans. "We're really happy with the result," U.S. manager Ciara Crinion said after.
French soccer player scores hat trick of penalties in losing effort
Oct. 18, 2026, 2:08 p.m. ET Estéban Lepaul arrived to the post-match interview with the match ball. He was awarded the Man of the Match trophy. But it was a muted celebration after the Rennes forward's team fell 4-3 to Paris FC. It's the first time since 1992 that a Ligue 1 player scored three goals from the spot in the same match, with Lepaul matching Toulon's Leonardo Rodríguez.
Best MLS goal of the season? Ojeda's backheel flick leaves fans stunned
This was no movie magic. After Orlando City's 4-1 win over D.C. United, Orlando attacker Martin Ojeda joked with reporters that they could cut out portions of his comments and make it look like he'd planned his wonder-goal all along. The truth? He had an idea that he was going to try to pull off an audacious shot, but he never knew it would go as well as it did when he scored an MLS Goal of the Season candidate, using the back of his heel to redirect a pass from Antoine Griezmann into the goal.
Best MLS goal of the season? Ojeda's backheel flick leaves fans stunned
Oct. 18, 2026, 12:48 p.m. ET This was no movie magic. After Orlando City's 4-1 win over D.C. United, Orlando attacker Martin Ojeda joked with reporters that they could cut out portions of his comments and make it look like he'd planned his wonder-goal all along. The truth?
Best MLS goal of the season? Ojeda's backheel flick leaves fans stunned
Orlando City attacker Martin Ojeda scored a head-spinning goal to help the club past D.C. United. This was no movie magic. After Orlando City's 4-1 win over D.C. United, Orlando attacker Martin Ojeda joked with reporters that they could cut out portions of his comments and make it look like he'd planned his wonder-goal all along. The truth?
Best MLS goal of the season? Ojeda's backheel flick leaves fans stunned
Oct. 18, 2026, 12:48 p.m. ET This was no movie magic. After Orlando City's 4-1 win over D.C. United, Orlando attacker Martin Ojeda joked with reporters that they could cut out portions of his comments and make it look like he'd planned his wonder-goal all along. The truth?
'He never stops surprising': Messi turns back clock with dazzling double
Oct. 18, 2026, 11:20 a.m. ET Is that guy really 39? That's what Inter Miami manager Christian "Kily" Gonzalez is asking after Lionel Messi's double to help his club to a 3-1 win over Atlanta United on Saturday, Oct. 17. The Argentine star scored goals in the 56th and 60th minutes of the victory, taking his season total to 25 goals. The first was vintage Messi, with No. 10 on the ball near midfield as Atlanta defenders scrambled to get into a better position to stop him.
Best MLS goal of the season? Ojeda's backheel flick leaves fans stunned
This was no movie magic. After Orlando City's 4-1 win over D.C. United, Orlando attacker Martin Ojeda joked with reporters that they could cut out portions of his comments and make it look like he'd planned his wonder-goal all along. The truth? He had an idea that he was going to try to pull off an audacious shot, but he never knew it would go as well as it did when he scored an MLS Goal of the Season candidate, using the back of his heel to redirect a pass from Antoine Griezmann into the goal.
Erling Haaland scores double to take Premier League average to a goal per game
Erling Haaland extended his lead as the Premier League's top scorer with a double against Ipswich Town on Saturday, Oct. 17 in Mancehster City's 3-2 victory over Ipswich Town.
Premier League top scorers: Golden Boot rankings for 2026-27 season
The Premier League resumed last weekend, with the first matches since Manchester City's guilty verdict . The Sky Blues continue to lead the league, and forward Erling Haaland extended his advantage as the top scorer with a goal in a 3-0 win over Liverpool. Haaland scored two more on Saturday, Oct. 17 as City defeated Ipswich, taking a commanding early lead in the Golden Boot race. But players who are not in Manchester City colors also are finding the back of the net.
Lamine Yamal opens scoring for FC Barcelona with outside-the-box stunner
Lamine Yamal keeps proving he can make a difference at any time. The 19-year-old FC Barcelona star scored a stunning goal in the 10th minute of his club's visit to Real Betis - a top-three La Liga clash that is Barca's toughest match yet in a stretch of challenging encounters. After getting a feed from Jules Kounde, it was all Yamal, who ran toward the corner of the area but rolled the ball under his foot and cut back just before entering the box.
Premier League top scorers: Golden Boot rankings for 2026-27 season
The Premier League resumed last weekend, with the first matches since Manchester City's guilty verdict. The Sky Blues continue to lead the league, and forward Erling Haaland extended his advantage as the top scorer with a goal in a 3-0 win over Liverpool. Haaland scored two more on Saturday, Oct. 17 as City defeated Ipswich, taking a commanding early lead in the Golden Boot race. But players who are not in Manchester City colors also are finding the back of the net.
Lamine Yamal opens scoring for FC Barcelona with outside-the-box stunner
Updated Oct. 17, 2026, 2:32 p.m. ET Lamine Yamal keeps proving he can make a difference at any time. The 19-year-old FC Barcelona star scored a stunning goal in the 10th minute of his club's visit to Real Betis - a top-three La Liga clash that is Barca's toughest match yet in a stretch of challenging encounters. After getting a feed from Jules Kounde, it was all Yamal, who ran toward the corner of the area but rolled the ball under his foot and cut back just before entering the box.
Lamine Yamal opens scoring for FC Barcelona with outside-the-box stunner
Lamine Yamal keeps proving he can make a difference at any time. The 19-year-old FC Barcelona star scored a stunning goal in the 10th minute of his club's visit to Real Betis - a top-three La Liga clash that is Barca's toughest match yet in a stretch of challenging encounters. After getting a feed from Jules Kounde, it was all Yamal, who ran toward the corner of the area but rolled the ball under his foot and cut back just before entering the box.
Lamine Yamal opens scoring for FC Barcelona with outside-the-box stunner
Updated Oct. 17, 2026, 1:04 p.m. ET Lamine Yamal keeps proving he can make a difference at any time. The 19-year-old FC Barcelona star scored a stunning goal in the 10th minute of his club's visit to Real Betis - a top-three La Liga clash that is Barca's toughest match yet in a stretch of challenging encounters. After getting a feed from Jules Kounde, it was all Yamal, who ran toward the corner of the area but rolled the ball under his foot and cut back just before entering the box.
Lamine Yamal opens scoring for FC Barcelona with outside-the-box stunner
Updated Oct. 17, 2026, 1:04 p.m. ET Lamine Yamal keeps proving he can make a difference at any time. The 19-year-old FC Barcelona star scored a stunning goal in the 10th minute of his club's visit to Real Betis - a top-three La Liga clash that is Barca's toughest match yet in a stretch of challenging encounters. After getting a feed from Jules Kounde, it was all Yamal, who ran toward the corner of the area but rolled the ball under his foot and cut back just before entering the box.
Premier League top scorers: Golden Boot rankings for 2026-27 season
The Premier League resumed last weekend, with the first matches since Manchester City's guilty verdict. The Sky Blues continue to lead the league, and forward Erling Haaland extended his advantage as the top scorer with a goal in a 3-0 win over Liverpool. Haaland scored two more on Saturday, Oct. 17 as City defeated Ipswich, taking a commanding early lead in the Golden Boot race. But players who are not in Manchester City colors also are finding the back of the net.
Premier League top scorers: Golden Boot rankings for 2026-27 season
Premier League top scorers: Golden Boot rankings for 2026-27 season The Premier League resumed last weekend, with the first matches since Manchester City's guilty verdict. The Sky Blues continue to lead the league, and forward Erling Haaland extended his advantage as the top scorer with a goal in a 3-0 win over Liverpool. Haaland scored two more on Saturday, Oct. 17 as City defeated Ipswich, taking a commanding early lead in the Golden Boot race.
Premier League top scorers: Golden Boot rankings for 2026-27 season
Updated Oct. 17, 2026, 1:16 p.m. ET The Premier League resumed last weekend, with the first matches since Manchester City's guilty verdict. The Sky Blues continue to lead the league, and forward Erling Haaland extended his advantage as the top scorer with a goal in a 3-0 win over Liverpool. Haaland scored two more on Saturday, Oct. 17 as City defeated Ipswich, taking a commanding early lead in the Golden Boot race.
USMNT attacker Gio Reyna opens scoring for Strasbourg vs. PSG
Updated Oct. 17, 2026, 1:17 p.m. ET It looks like France is starting to feel like home for Gio Reyna. The talented U.S. international has struggled to find consistency both on the field and off it over the past several years, bouncing from the Borussia Dortmund club where he developed to a loan with Nottingham Forest, then a move to Borussia Mönchengladbach ahead of this summer's transfer to Ligue 1 side RC Strausbourg.
Erling Haaland scores double to take Premier League average to a goal per game
Updated Oct. 17, 2026, 12:03 p.m. ET Erling Haaland extended his lead as the Premier League's top scorer with a double against Ipswich Town on Saturday, Oct. 17 in Mancehster City's 3-2 victory over Ipswich Town. The goals were the highlights of Manchester City's first Premier League match at home since an independent commission found it guilty of more than 100 instances of breaking league financial rules.
Chelsea goalie Dibu Martinez taken to hospital after head injury vs. Everton
Oct. 17, 2026, 11:12 a.m. ET A head injury Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano "Dibu" Martinez suffered in the Blues' 2-0 win over Everton on Saturday, Oct. 17 was serious enough for the Argentina international to be taken to the hospital, with the club waiting to see his status. Martinez was racing off his line to a claim a set piece in the 66th minute, when Everton center back Jarrad Branthwaite tried to put a header on the ball but instead made contact with the goalkeeper.
Chelsea goalie Dibu Martinez taken to hospital after head injury vs. Everton
Jon Arnold Oct. 17, 2026, 11:12 a.m. ET A head injury Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano "Dibu" Martinez suffered in the Blues' 2-0 win over Everton on Saturday, Oct. 17 was serious enough for the Argentina international to be taken to the hospital, with the club waiting to see his status. Martinez was racing off his line to a claim a set piece in the 66th minute, when Everton center back Jarrad Branthwaite tried to put a header on the ball but instead made contact with the goalkeeper.
Chelsea goalie Dibu Martinez taken to hospital after head injury vs. Everton
Chelsea goalkeeper Dibu Martinez was conscious leaving the field but was taken to the hospital for additional evaluation, his manager said. A head injury Chelsea goalkeeper Emiliano "Dibu" Martinez suffered in the Blues' 2-0 win over Everton on Saturday, Oct. 17 was serious enough for the Argentina international to be taken to the hospital, with the club waiting to see his status.
La Liga top goal scorers: Pichichi rankings for 2026-27 season
Oct. 17, 2026, 7:05 a.m. ET While controversy continues to roil La Liga, the ball will once again be rolling in Spain this weekend, with FC Barcelona's visit to third-placed Real Betis and Real Madrid's match against Sevilla highlighting the ninth-round schedule. As teams jostle for position at the top of the table, individual players are also chasing the Pichichi, the trophy awarded each season to the top scorer in Spain.
Real Madrid calls for La Liga president's resignation after Nazi propaganda comparison
The war of words has escalated between La Liga president Javier Tebas and the leadership of Real Madrid , one of the league's most important clubs. In a Friday morning tweet on Oct. 16, Tebas lashed out against club-owned Real Madrid TV and against newspapers he claimed functioned as spokespeople for Real Madrid, comparing their way of working with that of infamous Nazi propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels.
USMNT attacker Gio Reyna opens scoring for Strasbourg vs. PSG
It looks like France is starting to feel like home for Gio Reyna. The talented U.S. international has struggled to find consistency both on the field and off it over the past several years, bouncing from the Borussia Dortmund club where he developed to a loan with Nottingham Forest, then a move to Borussia Mönchengladbach ahead of this summer's transfer to Ligue 1 side RC Strausbourg.
La Liga top goal scorers: Pichichi rankings for 2026-27 season
While controversy continues to roil La Liga, the ball will once again be rolling in Spain this weekend, with FC Barcelona's visit to third-placed Real Betis and Real Madrid's match against Sevilla highlighting the ninth-round schedule. As teams jostle for position at the top of the table, individual players are also chasing the Pichichi, the trophy awarded each season to the top scorer in Spain.
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