Match story
- Austin created the clearer chances on xG (1.68 vs 0.92, Δ 0.76).
- Austin fired more attempts (18 vs 15 shots).
- Houston Dynamo held more of the ball (55% possession).
Houston Dynamo defeated Austin 0-1 in Major League Soccer. The fixture is part of the Regular Season - 44 stage in the 2024 season. The match was played at Estadio Rommel Fernandez in Panama City. V. Rivas officiated the match. The full-time result capped a Austin vs Houston Dynamo meeting in Major League Soccer with detailed post-match statistics available on Sportra. This match centre covers lineups, live events, player ratings, team statistics, xG, head-to-head history, and related news for Austin and Houston Dynamo. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
Major League Soccer
Vancouver Whitecaps
Houston DynamoRecorded meetings: 0 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
Sporting Kansas City were thrashed 4-0 by Los Angeles FC last week, with improvements required ahead of hosting the in-form Houston Dynamo. The post Wicky says MLS strugglers Sporting KC must eliminate defensive errors appeared first on SoccerNews.
The 2026 MLS All-Star Game will pit the best players from MLS against the best from Liga MX in Charlotte. The 2026 MLS All-Star Game takes place this Wednesday at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, pitting the league’s best against a Liga MX all-star squad in a rivalry that continues to grow every year. This year’s edition arrives with plenty of storylines, from young breakout talents to World Cup-tested veterans on both sides of the border. One notable absence looms over the occasion: Lionel Messi won’t be suiting up for MLS. The Inter Miami captain is still working through his mandated rest period following Argentina’s run to the World Cup final. His teammate Rodrigo De Paul finds himself in the same situation, also sidelined for the exhibition as part of that same post-tournament recovery window. Neither player will face any sanction over their absence, since the league was informed of their unavailability well in advance and both were left off the roster from the start. Their absence opens the door for other players to headline the occasion, and MLS has no shortage of star power to lean on. Son Heung-Min, Thomas Muller, and a mix of proven MLS regulars and rising prospects make up a 29-player squad selected through a combination of coach’s picks, commissioner’s selections, and fan voting. Our best. Their best. 🥊Watch the MLS All-Stars vs. Liga MX All-Stars at 8pm ET on Apple TV: https://t.co/9ojkoIf5TD pic.twitter.com/R0WmikKJT1— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 29, 2026 On the Liga MX side, the Mexican league has put together a 24-player roster under coach Antonio Mohamed, the reigning Coach of the Year, featuring five players who took part in the World Cup and a dozen Liga MX champions. MLS All-Star roster Goalkeepers: Maxime Crepeau (Orlando City), Matt Freese (New York City FC), Brian Schwake (Nashville SC). Defenders: Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Lucas Herrington (Colorado Rapids), Richie Laryea (Toronto FC), Anthony Markanich (Minnesota United), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire), Steven Moreira (Columbus Crew), Daniel Munie (San Jose Earthquakes), Andy Najar (Nashville SC), Jackson Ragen (Seattle Sounders), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC). Midfielders: Pep Biel (Charlotte FC), Yannick Bright (Inter Miami), Andres Cubas (Vancouver Whitecaps), Evander (FC Cincinnati), Carles Gil (New England Revolution), Zavier Gozo (Real Salt Lake), Hany Mukhtar (Nashville SC), Thomas Muller (Vancouver Whitecaps), Ashley Westwood (Charlotte FC). Forwards: Anders Dreyer (San Diego FC), Guilherme (Houston Dynamo), Julian Hall (New York Red Bulls), Son Heung-Min (LAFC), Petar Musa (FC Dallas), Sam Surridge (Nashville SC), Philip Zinckernagel (Chicago Fire). Coach: Dean Smith (Charlotte FC). Liga MX All-Star roster Goalkeepers: Carlos Acevedo (Santos Laguna), Carlos Moreno (Pachuca). Defenders: Bruno Mendez (Toluca), Federico Pereira (Toluca), Jesus Gallardo (Toluca), Erik Lira (Cruz Azul), Omar Campos (Cruz Azul), Willer Ditta (Cruz Azul), Israel Reyes (America), Jesus Garza (Tigres), Luis Rey (Guadalajara), Nathan Silva (Pumas). Midfielders: Alexei Dominguez (Pachuca), Elias Montiel (Pachuca), Carlos Rodriguez (Cruz Azul), Jose Paradela (Cruz Azul), Fernando Gorriaran (Tigres), Juan Brunetta (Tigres), Franco Romero (Toluca), Iker Fimbres (Monterrey), Kevin Castaneda (Guadalajara). Forwards: Javier Ruiz (Necaxa), Robert Morales (Pumas), Salomon Rondon (Pachuca). Coach: Antonio Mohamed (Toluca).
Lionel Messi will not be present for the MLS All-Star Game, missing the event for the second consecutive year. Lionel Messi will once again be absent from the MLS All-Star Game, set to take place on Wednesday, July 29, against Liga MX at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. It marks another notable absence for the tournament’s biggest draw, as the Inter Miami captain remains the most influential player across both Concacaf leagues. Unlike last year, though, this absence was known well in advance. Messi is currently on an authorized vacation period, granted by his club after Argentina’s run to the 2026 World Cup final. Rodrigo De Paul, his Inter Miami teammate and fellow World Cup finalist, was left off the event for the same reason. Messi’s absence from the 2026 edition won’t result in any sanction, since the league was informed of his unavailability well ahead of time and he was never included on the official MLS roster in the first place. MLS Announces Additions to Roster for the 2026 @MLS All-Star Game presented by Chimehttps://t.co/o4H3NhF44U— MLS Communications (@MLS_PR) July 25, 2026 Was Messi sanctioned at the 2025 edition? This isn’t the first time Messi has skipped the exhibition. He also sat out the 2025 edition, but under very different circumstances: back then, he had been named to the squad and pulled out at the last minute, citing muscle overload. Because that decision wasn’t backed by a confirmed injury from MLS medical staff, and was instead a precaution taken jointly by the player and then-manager Javier Mascherano’s coaching staff, the league handed Messi a one-match suspension. MLS roster for the 2026 All-Star Game Goalkeepers: Maxime Crepeau (Orlando City), Matt Freese (New York City FC), Brian Schwake (Nashville SC). Defenders: Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Lucas Herrington (Colorado Rapids), Richie Laryea (Toronto FC), Anthony Markanich (Minnesota United), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire), Steven Moreira (Columbus Crew), Daniel Munie (San Jose Earthquakes), Andy Najar (Nashville SC), Jackson Ragen (Seattle Sounders), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC). Midfielders: Pep Biel (Charlotte FC), Yannick Bright (Inter Miami), Andres Cubas (Vancouver Whitecaps), Evander (FC Cincinnati), Carles Gil (New England Revolution), Zavier Gozo (Real Salt Lake), Hany Mukhtar (Nashville SC), Thomas Muller (Vancouver Whitecaps), Ashley Westwood (Charlotte FC). Forwards: Anders Dreyer (San Diego FC), Guilherme (Houston Dynamo), Julian Hall (New York Red Bulls), Son Heung-Min (LAFC), Petar Musa (FC Dallas), Sam Surridge (Nashville SC), Philip Zinckernagel (Chicago Fire).
Portuguese giants Benfica begin their Europa League qualifying journey on Thursday, traveling to Switzerland to face St Gallen at the Sitterstadion. Despite the World Cup only just finishing, European clubs are already back in competitive action, and this tie marks the first leg of the second qualifying round. Verdict: Away win Best odds: 2/5 Bookmaker: […] The post Prediction: St. Gallen vs Benfica appeared first on SoccerNews.
Dive in to find out why one of the Three Lions' most dangerous attackers is starting from the sidelines. Anthony Gordon is officially benched for England’s World Cup third-place playoff clash against France. While Harry Kane gears up to spearhead the frontline and finish the tournament strong, the explosive forward’s omission has completely hijacked the pre-match headlines. Dive in to find out why one of the Three Lions’ most dangerous attackers is starting from the sidelines. England enters the bronze-medal match after suffering a heartbreaking 2-1 semifinal defeat to Argentina, while France arrives following a 2-0 loss to Spain. Although neither national team reached the final they had hoped for, both still have the opportunity to conclude their World Cup campaign with a victory. The third-place playoff is often described as the match nobody wants to play, but both teams still have pride to defend after falling just one step short of the World Cup final. The Three Lions looked destined for their first World Cup final in six decades after Anthony Gordon fired the team ahead against Argentina. However, late strikes from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez completed a dramatic comeback that ended the Three Lions’ dream. France vs England StatisticsH2H RecordTotal Matches Played32England Wins17France Wins10Draws5England Goals66France Goals41 France, meanwhile, struggled to impose itself against Spain and suffered a 2-0 defeat, bringing an end to another impressive tournament run. Didier Deschamps’ side now has one final opportunity to leave North America with a positive result. Why Anthony Gordon is not starting The mystery surrounding Gordon’s absence has now been answered following the release of the official starting lineups. The Barcelona star has been left out of England’s starting XI because of Thomas Tuchel’s tactical selection rather than injury. The England manager opted to start Marcus Rashford on the left side of the attack, while Morgan Rogers, Eberechi Eze, and Bukayo Saka behind Ivan Toney. Marcus Rashford #11 of England reacts after the scoreless draw. Throughout the tournament, Tuchel has frequently rotated his attacking options depending on the opponent. Gordon has earned increased responsibility thanks to his energy, defensive work, and attacking contributions during England’s World Cup campaign, making him the preferred option for this encounter. No reports were suggesting Gordon is carrying an injury, meaning the forward is available among the substitutes and could still influence the match from the bench if called upon later. Tuchel sticks with the players who carried England deep into the tournament England’s coaching staff has consistently emphasized balance throughout the World Cup, and Tuchel has continued that approach for the final match. Harry Kane #9 of England celebrates with teammates Declan Rice #4 and Anthony Gordon #18. Several reports leading up to kickoff had already suggested Rashford was competing directly with Gordon for the left-wing position. His performances, combined with his defensive intensity and ability to stretch opposing defenses, ultimately convinced Tuchel to keep him in the starting lineup. The England manager also had to manage injuries elsewhere in the squad, with Jordan Henderson unavailable because of a broken arm, while other players carried fitness concerns after an exhausting knockout stage.
England will square off against Argentina in the FIFA World Cup semifinal. Here's everything you need to know to watch the game live in the United States. Here are all of the details of where you can watch England vs Argentina on US television and via legal streaming: WHO England vs Argentina WHAT 2026 World Cup WHEN 3:00pm ET / 12:00pm PT • Wednesday, July 15, 2026 WHERE Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Sling, Peacock Premium, FOX, Telemundo and Hulu + Live TV STREAM WATCH NOW Match Overview England enters this colossal semi-final with manager Thomas Tuchel unbeaten in his first six tournament games, a feat that echoes the legendary Sir Alf Ramsey‘s 1966 run. The Three Lions have demonstrated remarkable consistency, reaching the semi-finals in four of the last five major tournaments. However, their journey has been grueling, covering over 14,000 miles in travel, and they required a draining extra-time period to overcome a stubborn Norway side in the quarter-finals. Meanwhile, reigning champions Argentina are looking to secure a place in their second consecutive final. La Albiceleste have reached the semi-finals in three of the last four tournaments and are currently on a 12-match unbeaten streak in the competition. While the individual brilliance of Lionel Messi has often been the deciding factor, the team has shown defensive frailties and also needed extra time to dispatch Switzerland, setting the stage for a high-stakes battle of attrition and skill. Tactical Analysis & Match Context England‘s path to the semi-final has been defined by resilience. Under Thomas Tuchel, they have won 16 of 20 matches, often grinding out results even when not performing at their peak, as seen in their victory against Mexico despite a red card. Their defensive organization was superb in shutting down Norway‘s Erling Haaland, a quality they will desperately need in this clash. Argentina, in contrast, has had a more chaotic tournament, frequently relying on Messi‘s magic to cover defensive gaps. Coach Lionel Scaloni has employed a 4-4-2 diamond formation that congests the middle of the park to facilitate quick combinations with his star player, but this often leaves them vulnerable on the flanks. The key tactical battle will be in central midfield, where England must try to nullify Messi‘s influence. The motivation for both sides is immense. For Argentina, it is the chance to defend their crown and further solidify Messi‘s legacy as the greatest of all time. For England, it represents a golden opportunity to end decades of hurt and capitalize on their recent tournament consistency. With both teams coming off exhausting extra-time victories, managing player fatigue will be just as crucial as any tactical adjustment. Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends This fixture is steeped in history, with all five previous official meetings taking place at the global tournament. England holds a narrow historical advantage with three wins to Argentina‘s one, with the other match being a draw that Argentina subsequently won on penalties in 1998. This deep-rooted rivalry guarantees an intense and passionate encounter. The most recent clash was a 1-0 victory for England at the 2002 tournament, but the most iconic remains the 1986 quarter-final in Mexico. That match was decided by two unforgettable Diego Maradona moments: the infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal and a spectacular solo run that is widely considered one of the greatest goals in history. These past encounters add layers of narrative and pressure to the upcoming game. Historically, this matchup has produced goals, with an average of 2.6 goals per game across their five meetings. While the stakes of a semi-final might suggest a cagey affair, both teams have displayed defensive vulnerabilities throughout this tournament. Argentina remains unbeaten in their last ten games against European opposition under Scaloni, while England has a balanced record against South American teams, making this a finely poised contest. Squad Ne
While the fixture carries decades of history, its immediate importance lies in how the result will decide the final two matches of the tournament. Argentina and England are set to renew one of soccer’s greatest rivalries in the 2026 World Cup semifinal, with the final result set to determine far more than just bragging rights. While the fixture carries decades of history, its immediate importance lies in how the result will decide the final two matches of the tournament. La Albiceleste’s road to the semifinal has been anything but straightforward. After cruising through the group stage, Lionel Scaloni’s side survived an extra-time battle against Cape Verde, produced a remarkable comeback from 2-0 down to defeat Egypt 3-2, and eventually overcame Switzerland 3-1 after extra time thanks to Julian Alvarez’s decisive strike. England has also been forced to overcome difficult moments throughout the knockout stage. Thomas Tuchel’s squad eliminated DR Congo before edging Mexico 3-2 and then defeating Norway 3-2 after extra time, with Jude Bellingham once again proving decisive. The semifinal also renews one of soccer’s most famous rivalries. The nations have not met since a 3-2 England victory in a 2005 friendly, while this will be their first World Cup encounter since the 2002 group stage, when David Beckham’s penalty separated the teams. DateArgentina’s OpponentStageResultJuly 11, 2026SwitzerlandQuarter-finalsWin (3-1 AET)July 7, 2026EgyptRound of 16Win (3-2)July 3, 2026Cabo VerdeRound of 32Win (3-2 AET)June 27, 2026JordanGroup StageWin (3-1)June 22, 2026AustriaGroup StageWin (2-0)June 16, 2026AlgeriaGroup StageWin (3-0) Both sides enter the contest with superstar forwards leading their attacks. Lionel Messi has scored eight goals during the tournament, while Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have each found the net six times, keeping the Golden Boot race alive heading into the final four. DateEngland’s OpponentStageResultJuly 11, 2026NorwayQuarter-finalsWin (2-1 AET)July 5, 2026MexicoRound of 16Win (3-2)July 1, 2026DR CongoRound of 32Win (2-1)June 27, 2026PanamaGroup StageWin (2-0)June 23, 2026GhanaGroup StageTie (0-0)June 17, 2026CroatiaGroup StageWin (4-2) What happens if Argentina wins and England loses? Should Argentina defeat England, regardless of whether the victory comes in regulation time, extra time, or penalties, the reigning world champion would advance to the 2026 World Cup Final. Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina celebrates with Julian Alvarez #9 after scoring against Egypt. Their reward would be a showdown against Spain, which booked its place by defeating France in the first semifinal. Victory over England would also keep alive Argentina’s dream of becoming the first nation in more than six decades to successfully defend the World Cup title. England, meanwhile, would see its championship hopes end and instead prepare for the third-place playoff against France. The Albiceleste enters the semifinal having survived several demanding knockout matches, including extra-time victories over Cape Verde and Switzerland, while also recovering from a two-goal deficit against Egypt. What happens if the match is tied after 90 minutes? Unlike league competitions, a draw cannot be the final result in a World Cup semifinal. If the score remains level after 90 minutes, two 15-minute periods of extra time will immediately follow. Should neither team break the deadlock after 120 minutes, the semifinal would be settled by a penalty shootout. Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina take a penalty kick This scenario would significantly increase the physical demands on both squads, especially considering each side has already endured exhausting knockout encounters during the tournament. The eventual winner of the shootout would advance to face Spain, while the defeated side would move into the third-place match against France. DateCompetitionH2H ResultNovember 12, 2005International FriendlyArgentina 2-3 EnglandJune 7, 2002FIFA World Cup (Group Stage)Argen
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