Canada open their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against Bosnia and Herzegovina, but Alphonso Davies is not part of the lineup. Canada play the first of their three group-stage matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Friday against Bosnia and Herzegovina at BMO Field in Toronto. Despite the importance of the match, the team’s biggest star, Alphonso Davies, will not be part of the starting lineup. The 25-year-old left back suffered a hamstring injury on May 6 while playing for Bayern Munich against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League semifinals. Since then, he has focused on his recovery process in an effort to be in the best possible condition for the World Cup. That process, while gradual, has progressed favorably. However, the player, head coach Jesse Marsch, and Canada‘s medical staff decided not to rush his return and risk any setbacks. As a result, Davies will not be part of the starting lineup against Bosnia and Herzegovina, although he will be available among the substitutes. Davies himself had spoken about his priorities when planning his preparation for the start of the World Cup, explaining that if missing the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina was necessary to ensure a full recovery, he would have no hesitation in doing so. Today’s starters, presented by @GE_Appliances 🍁 JD and Tani up top🍁 Max is in goal🍁 Staqs captains the sideLET’S GO CANADA!#CANMNT #OurGameNow pic.twitter.com/UsbLKh2AVz— CANMNT (@CANMNT_Official) June 12, 2026 “The first game is coming up pretty quickly. I think we understand how important the first game is. But we understand recovery is always an important thing,” the Canadian defender said last week. “There’s no need to rush, just keep continuing the recovery.” Alphonso Davies’ replacement With Alphonso Davies still not at 100 percent physically or match-fit, Canada will have to face what is perhaps the most important game in the national team’s history without their biggest star. That is because of the significance of opening a World Cup on home soil and the importance of securing a positive result against Bosnia and Herzegovina to put themselves in a strong position to advance to the Round of 32. With that in mind, head coach Jesse Marsch had to look for alternatives when putting together his lineup. In recent years, Alphonso Davies has played internationally both as a left back and in more advanced positions. On Friday, Toronto FC’s Richie Laryea will occupy the left side of Canada’s defense. Meanwhile, Hull City player Liam Millar will take up a role on the left side of midfield. Canada’s upcoming challenges Alphonso Davies’ absence from the starting lineup on Friday will give him six additional days to continue building toward full fitness before the next match. Canada will face their second Group B test on June 18 against Qatar in Vancouver. Six days later, they will close out their World Cup group-stage campaign against Switzerland.
Inter Miami are hosting the Philadelphia Union for the 2026 MLS in what will be Lionel Messi's last official game prior to the beginning of the 2026 World Cup. Inter Miami are set to host the Philadelphia Union on Sunday, May 24th, for a high-stakes MLS matchup at Nu Stadium. With this serving as Lionel Messi‘s final club appearance before joining Argentina for the 2026 World Cup, the Argentine star will be looking to keep fitness by taking part of the game. Lionel Messi has been included in the starting lineup against the Philadelphia Union. The Argentine icon has logged the full 90 minutes in each of his last 10 MLS appearances, and with the World Cup just around the corner, he is looking to accumulate valuable competitive minutes to ensure he enters tournament play in peak form. The Herons enter the weekend riding the momentum of a convincing 2-0 victory over the Portland Timbers last Sunday. That result snapped a frustrating winless drought at Nu Stadium, securing their historic first win at the new venue after an initial stretch of three draws and a loss. Backed by a three-game MLS winning streak, Inter Miami currently sits second in the Eastern Conference standings with 28 points through 14 matches, trailing only league leaders Nashville SC, who pace the conference with 33 points. Conversely, the Philadelphia Union have devolved into a mere shadow of the squad that captured the 2025 Supporters’ Shield. Hampered by the high-profile departures of Tai Baribo, Kai Wagner, and Jakob Glesnes, head coach Bradley Carnell has struggled to find answers with a depleted roster. Currently anchored to the bottom of the table with just seven points through 14 games, the Union are desperate to break out of a brutal seven-match winless slide that includes four draws and three defeats. Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF controls the ball against Finn Surman #20 of the Portland Timbers. Messi puts up staggering numbers in May Following a string of disappointing setbacks in both the CONCACAF Champions Cup and early MLS action, Javier Mascherano made the decision to step down as Inter Miami’s manager. Under the guidance of new boss Guillermo Hoyos, the Herons have shown immense improvement, largely fueled by Messi’s spectacular individual tear throughout the month of May. Beginning with the Florida Derby against Orlando City on May 2nd, and stretching through matches against Toronto FC, FC Cincinnati, and Portland, Messi has racked up four goals and four assists. With eight direct goal contributions over that span, another standout performance on Sunday could very well secure MLS Player of the Month honors for the legendary playmaker. Confirmed lineups for Inter Miami and Philadelphia Union Inter Miami’s confirmed lineups (4-3-3): Dayne St. Clair; Ian Fray, Gonzalo Lujan, Micael, Sergio Reguilon; Rodrigo De Paul, Yannick Bright, Telasco Segovia; Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, German Berterame.Head coach: Guillermo Hoyos. Philadelphia Union’s confirmed lineups (4-4-2): Andre Blake; Frankie Westfield, Geiner Martinez, Nathan Harriel, Ben Bender; Cavan Sullivan, Jovan Lukic, Danley Jean Jacques, Agustin Anello; Milan Iloski, Bruno Damiani.Head coach: Bradley Carnell.
Also: Guilherme helps Houston lift off, Wilfried Zaha strikes back and Orlando City bide their time as Antoine Griezmann waitsThere are simple adages which help us navigate this mad world. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. When it heaves a beer your way on the field at PayPal Park, you give it a hearty chug.The San Jose Earthquakes have been the season’s surprise outfit, storming to the top of a competitive Western Conference in Bruce Arena’s second season. In their final home fixture before the World Cup break, they stormed back against a valiant FC Dallas to find an 80th minute leveler, giving the crowd dreams of a comeback before the final whistle. Continue reading...
Less than a month before the break for the 2026 World Cup, Lionel Messi received a squad blow with Inter Miami confirming Tadeo Allende's surgery in a latest injury update. Lionel Messi remains the undeniable centerpiece of an Inter Miami side that has struggled to recapture its dominant form from the 2025 season. In yet another setback for the Argentine maestro, the Herons confirmed in a recent injury update that forward Tadeo Allende has undergone knee surgery, delivering another blow to the squad’s depth. Inter Miami released an official statement regarding Allende’s status on Sunday ahead of their clash with the Portland Timbers: “Forward Tadeo Allende has successfully undergone an arthroscopy on his right knee to address the discomfort he had been experiencing in recent weeks.“ The forward had already missed the team’s last two MLS matches against FC Cincinnati and Toronto FC before traveling to Spain to evaluate his options. “The procedure was carried out in Barcelona by Dr. Cugat and his team at Instituto Cugat, in coordination with the Club’s medical staff,” the statement added. After finishing as the team’s second-highest goalscorer behind Messi last season, Allende earned a permanent $5 million transfer from Celta Vigo. However, the attacker arrived in South Florida without a proper preseason under his belt, and persistent fitness issues have plagued his on-field production ever since. Tadeo Allende #21 of Inter Miami CF controls the ball. Through the early stretch of the 2026 campaign, Allende has appeared in 11 matches for Inter Miami but has logged 90 minutes just four times, failing to record a single goal or assist. Compared to his breakout impact last year, his absence strips Inter Miami of a crucial weapon in their attacking rotation. When will Tadeo Allende return? Inter Miami officials have been cautious regarding Allende’s long-term outlook, opting not to disclose the exact nature of the structural issue inside his right knee. “In the coming days, the player will begin the corresponding recovery process. His progress will determine the timeline for his return to the pitch,” the club concluded. While no official timetable has been established, the reality of an arthroscopic procedure leaves a wide range of possibilities for his recovery. If the surgery was a minor cleanup, Messi could have his strike partner back when the MLS season resumes in late July following the 2026 World Cup break, though Allende is already ruled out for next week’s game against the Philadelphia Union. The worst-case scenario would be if the arthroscopy required a meniscus stitch or major cartilage repair. While that remains unlikely, such a procedure would effectively sideline him for the remainder of the year and push his return to the 2027 season. In the meantime, Messi will have to make do without an attacker whose direct runs made him one of his favorite targets last season.
Preston Plambeck will join Lionel Messi as part of the Inter Miami squad for the remainder of the 2026 Major League Soccer season. Inter Miami are playing their final matches before Major League Soccer pauses at the end of May due to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In that context, Lionel Messi will have a new permanent teammate after the club signed Preston Plambeck. “Inter Miami CF announced today it has signed Academy graduate Preston Plambeck to a contract running through the end of the 2026 Major League Soccer (MLS) season,” the Herons explained in a statement published on their official website Wednesday. The club also detailed that the deal includes options for the 2027, 2028, and 2029 seasons. Plambeck is a 20-year-old midfielder who developed in Inter Miami’s academy and gradually climbed through the ranks before joining the club’s MLS NEXT Pro side in 2025. Since then, he has recorded three goals and three assists in 26 appearances for Inter Miami II. Those performances earned Preston the opportunity to join the club’s senior squad this year and make his MLS debut under Guillermo Hoyos. The coach gave him his first chance on April 25, when he replaced David Ruiz in the 69th minute of a 1-1 draw against the New England Revolution. Last weekend, Plambeck added another 12 minutes in the 4-2 victory over Toronto FC. Work pays off. ⚡️Academy graduate Preston Plambeck signs with the First Team ✍️🩷🗞️ Details here: https://t.co/bvRZAa4F0P pic.twitter.com/nYQWOR359p— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) May 13, 2026 An interesting addition for Inter Miami Preston Plambeck’s involvement with Inter Miami’s first team, along with the decision to sign him to a professional contract for the remainder of the season, is tied not only to the qualities the young midfielder has shown so far, but also to the need to solve an issue the Herons have faced this year. After Sergio Busquets retired at the end of 2025, Inter Miami have struggled to rebuild their midfield. David Ayala arrived as a signing expected to fill that role, but injuries and inconsistent performances have complicated those plans. Yannick Bright has largely taken over those responsibilities, but the two-game suspension he served several weeks ago exposed the lack of depth on the roster in that area. That forced Hoyos to experiment with Rodrigo De Paul, David Ruiz, and Telasco Segovia in deeper roles, something that did not work particularly well because it left Lionel Messi with less support in the creative phase. That is why having Preston Plambeck consistently available could become a useful option for Inter Miami moving forward. Plambeck’s comments In the same statement released by the club, Preston Plambeck shared his thoughts on becoming a professional soccer player. “I’ve worked my whole life to reach this moment, and I want to make my family proud,” said the young midfielder. “I think my pathway through the Academy and the Second Team helped shape me by teaching me discipline and helping me understand the Club’s style of play through all the coaches who guided me along the way.”
After the latest win against Toronto FC, Inter Miami visit FC Cincinnati, seeking a victory that would bring them closer to the top of the MLS standings. To that end, fans are closely monitoring Lionel Messi’s status, as his presence is expected to be decisive, coming on plein form. Inter Miami have managed to remain among the most competitive teams in MLS, successfully reversing their inconsistent start to the season. Looking to close the gap in the standings race, they travel to face FC Cincinnati, aiming to establish a winning streak following the recent victory over Toronto FC. To that end, fans are closely monitoring Lionel Messi’s status, as his presence could be key in boosting the team’s attacking power. Lionel Messi took part normally in the Herons’ latest training session. With him appearing to be in full form, head coach Guillermo Hoyos is expected to start the Argentine, as he not only shines in front of goal but also creates chances for his teammates, making him the cornerstone of the team. Sitting three goals away from surpassing Hugo Cuypers as the league’s top scorer, he could arrive especially motivated. Coupled with the Argentinean star, Inter Miami’s Guillermo Hoyos may bet on Luis Suárez and German Berterame in the offense. Unlike the start of the season, they have been able to shine, being crucial in the team’s recent victories. Nonetheless, Dániel Pintér may again have a chance to shine from bench as he did against Toronto FC, replacing the Uruguayan striker. That said, the Herons’ defense is the main concern, as they have not shined in the latest two games. Like the Herons, FC Cincinnati also come into the match needing a victory, as they currently sit in sixth place, close to the play-in spots. Therefore, they are aiming for a win that would allow them to climb the standings and compete with Chicago Fire for fourth place. Facing one of the best attacks in the MLS Eastern Conference today, they could encounter serious defensive problems, as they have conceded goals in several consecutive matches. Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami walks through the tunnel. FC Cincinnati predicted lineup vs Inter Miami Ahead of today’s match, FC Cincinnati are dealing with three major absences: Alvas Powell, Teenage Hadebe, and Kristian Fletcher. Nevertheless, head coach Pat Noonan is relying on Kevin Denkey and Evander, who are the team’s two leading scorers. Just like in the previous match, they could opt for a three-man defense, seeking greater defensive consistency in an attempt to contain the impact of Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez in attack. With this in mind, FC Cincinnati could lineup as follows: Roman Celentano; Nick Hagglund, Matt Miazga, Andrei Chirilă; Pavel Bucha, Gerardo Valenzuela, Samuel Gidi, Bryan Ramírez; Evander; Kenji Mboma Dem, Kévin Denkey. Inter Miami predicted lineup vs FC Cincinnati Inter Miami come into the match as the favorites to defeat FC Cincinnati, as they are currently in excellent form. Nevertheless, head coach Guillermo Hoyos has two clear absences: Noah Allen and Tadeo Allende due to injury. Despite this, they still have their biggest stars fully fit: Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Rodrigo De Paul. With this, they are aiming for their second consecutive victory, which would move them closer to the top of the MLS standings. Considering this, the Herons could play as follows: Dayne St Clair; Facundo Mura, Gonzalo Luján, Micael, Sergio Reguilon; Rodrigo De Paul, Yannick Bright, Telasco Segovia; Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Germán Berterame.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be played across 16 different venues spread throughout the United States, Mexico and Canada. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature several innovations compared to previous editions. Not only will there be a new expanded format with 48 teams, but it will also be the first World Cup hosted by three different countries. That has increased the number of venues to a total of 16. The United States are the tournament’s main host nation, meaning most of the matches will be played on U.S. soil. As a result, 11 of the 16 venues are located in the country. In addition, most of the tournament’s marquee games will take place there, including the final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The largest stadium at the World Cup will be AT&T Stadium in Dallas, which has a capacity of 94,000 spectators. Behind it is Estadio Azteca in Mexico, which was completely renovated for the tournament and, with a capacity of 83,000, will become the first stadium to host three different World Cups after previously doing so in 1970 and 1986. On the other end of the scale, the smallest stadium in the tournament will be BMO Field in Toronto — one of only two venues in Canada alongside Vancouver. The stadium is home to Toronto FC of Major League Soccer and the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League, and it has a capacity of 45,000 spectators. A general view inside the AT&T Stadium in Dallas. Venues in the United States for the World Cup On the West Coast, three cities will host matches during the 2026 World Cup. SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and Levi’s Stadium in San Francisco will represent California, while Seattle will host games at Lumen Field, where four group-stage matches and two knockout-stage games will be played. Texas will also feature two host cities during the tournament. Alongside AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Houston’s NRG Stadium will also host matches. In addition, Kansas City will stage six games, including Lionel Messi’s debut with Argentina against Algeria. Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, which has a capacity of 65,000 spectators, will host several important matches, including the third-place game. Meanwhile, one of the semifinals will take place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. The final three venues on U.S. soil will also be located on the East Coast. Along with the previously mentioned MetLife Stadium in New Jersey/New York, the tournament will also feature Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia and Gillette Stadium in Boston. Venues in Mexico for the 2026 World Cup Of the three host nations, Mexico are the country with the richest soccer tradition. Two of the most iconic World Cups in history were held there: the 1970 edition won by Pele’s Brazil and the 1986 tournament inspired by Diego Maradona’s Argentina. Now Mexico will have the honor of hosting the opening match, which will feature Mexico and South Africa on June 11. The selected venue for that game is Estadio Azteca, which will also host two additional group-stage matches and two knockout-stage games. The other two venues in Mexico will be Estadio BBVA in Guadalupe, Monterrey, which has a capacity of 53,500 spectators, and Estadio Akron in Zapopan, Guadalajara, where 48,000 fans can attend. Mexico will play their second group-stage match there against South Korea. Venues in Canada for the 2026 World Cup Unlike the United States and Mexico, this will be Canada’s first experience hosting a World Cup. They will play all three of their group-stage matches at home, traveling from one side of the country to the other. Canada’s opening match will take place on June 12 at BMO Field in Toronto against Bosnia and Herzegovina. In addition to that game, the venue will host four other matches, including one in the Round of 32. The country’s other venue is BC Place in Vancouver, which has a capacity of 54,000 spectators and will host a Round of 16 matchup as its marquee game. The 16 venues for the 2026 FIFA World Cup CITYVENUECAPACITYDallas – Uni
FC Cincinnati and Inter Miami CF will face against each other in a 2026 MLS regular-season matchup. Find here how to watch this game live in the USA. Here are all of the details of where you can watch Cincinnati vs Inter Miami on US television and via legal streaming: WHO Cincinnati vs Inter Miami WHAT MLS 2026 season WHEN 7:30pm ET / 4:30am PT • Wednesday, May 13, 2026 WHERE Apple TV STREAM WATCH NOW Match Overview After bouncing back from a dramatic 4-3 Florida derby loss to Orlando City SC with an impressive 4-2 win over Toronto FC, Inter Miami climbed into third place in the Eastern Conference and now turn their attention to another key test. Lionel Messi and company know a victory could be crucial in the race for the top spot, but standing in their way is a dangerous FC Cincinnati side currently sitting on 16 points. Despite this, Cincinnati remain one of the toughest teams in the conference and will look to make a statement on the road. Details on how to watch Apple TV is the home for Major League Soccer – where you can watch Cincinnati vs Inter Miami and every MLS game. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, Apple TV, smartphone, tablet, Roku, and other smart streaming devices. Apple TV will stream every MLS game – including MLS Cup Playoffs and Leagues Cup – with no blackouts. Apple TV is available via the Apple TV app on all Apple iOS devices, Mac, PC, Amazon Fire TV and Fire Stick, Android TV, Google TV, LG smart TVs, Panasonic smart TVs, Playstation 4 & 5, Roku streaming devices and smart TVs, Samsung smart TVs, Sony smart TVs, Vizio smart TVs, and Xbox One, One S, Series X and Series S. In addition, you can AirPlay or cast from your phone or computer to any compatible screen. SEE MORE: Schedule of MLS games on US TV and streaming How to watch anywhere with VPN If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.
Jesper Sorensen is delighted with the self-belief Sebastian Berhalter is demonstrating as he bids to make the United States’ World Cup squad. Berhalter netted for the Vancouver Whitecaps in their 1-1 draw with the San Jose Earthquakes last time out. The draw kept Vancouver within three points of the ‘Quakes at the top of MLS’ […] The post FC Dallas v Vancouver Whitecaps: Sorensen backs Berhalter´s World Cup push appeared first on Soccer News.
Bruce Arena urged his San Jose Earthquakes team to “hang in there” before the MLS pauses for the World Cup, amid a hectic fixture schedule over the past few weeks. San Jose played out a 1-1 draw with fellow Western Conference high-flyers Vancouver Whitecaps last time out, as Sebastian Berhalter cancelled out Preston Judd’s early […] The post Seattle Sounders v San Jose Earthquakes: Arena urges injury-hit visitors to ´hang in there´ appeared first on Soccer News.
Also: James Rodríguez finally makes his mark with Minnesota, and a perfect stat line appears in the BronxThere are points up for grabs in the East. Inter Miami tooled up to defend their MLS Cup title with uneven results. The Philadelphia Union have dropped them from the top of the heap to the cellar. The Ohio duopoly of Columbus and Cincinnati are below their previous standard, while Orlando City played the long game, conducting minimal business before Antoine Griezmann’s summer arrival.Nashville SC have been the greatest beneficiary of The Great Points Migration in 2026, storming to the top of the East. But right behind them after a gritty 2-1 win over Philadelphia this week are the surprising New England Revolution, led by Marko Mitrović in his first MLS head coaching role after four years with the US youth national teams. Continue reading...
Lionel Messi must be “protected”, so said Inter Miami interim boss Guillermo Hoyos, after the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner made more MLS history. Messi and his compatriot Rodrigo de Paul both scored and provided two assists as Miami crushed Toronto FC 4-2 at BMO Field. It got Miami back on track after last week’s loss […] The post ´There´s only one Leo Messi´, says Miami boss as superstar makes MLS history in rout of Toronto appeared first on Soccer News.
Sebastian Berhalter scored a goal for the Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday night in a 1-1 tie with the San Jose Earthquakes — a battle between the top-two teams in the MLS standings. The Earthquakes (9-1-2) lead the league with 29 points, three more than second-place Vancouver. Daniel De Sousa Britto — known simply as “Daniel” — made back-to-back stops in the 57th minute and finished with four saves.
