Canada
Canada news
Is Lionel Messi playing? Projected lineups for CF Montreal vs Inter Miami in MLS showdown
Inter Miami face CF Montreal in Matchday 18 action of the MLS, where many are wondering if Lionel Messi will be available for the Herons in Canada. Lionel Messi will sit out Inter Miami’s trip to face CF Montreal in Matchday 18 of the 2026 MLS regular season, as the Argentine captain continues his mandatory recovery period following Argentina’s run to the 2026 World Cup final. Messi has yet to return to training with the Herons since getting back from the tournament. His absence isn’t tied to injury or suspension. Current FIFA-FIFPRO regulations grant players a minimum 21-day rest window after major international tournaments, and Messi is using his in full. Rodrigo De Paul is in the same boat and will also miss the trip to Quebec. It’s a notable blow for Inter Miami’s attack, given Messi has racked up 12 goals and seven assists in just 14 MLS appearances this season. Inter Miami arrive at Stade Saputo on a five-match winning streak and sit near the top of the Eastern Conference table, with Luis Suarez carrying the attacking load in Messi’s absence — the 39-year-old scored a brace in Miami’s 3-2 win over Chicago Fire last time out. Luis Suarez celebrates a goal for Inter Miami. (Getty Images) CF Montreal projected lineup CF Montreal could line up in a 4-3-3, with Matthew Longstaff as the creative engine in midfield. Up top, the trio of Hennadiy Synchuk, Prince Owusu and Noah Streit will be tasked with breaking down the Inter Miami backline. CF Montreal’s projected starting XI: Breza; Bugaj, Neal, Vera, Petrasso; Herbers, Longstaff, Loturi; Synchuk, Owusu, Streit. Inter Miami projected lineup With Messi and De Paul unavailable, Hoyos is expected to turn to a 4-3-3 built around Luis Suarez, who’s been in red-hot form with eight goals in his last 12 MLS appearances, including a brace in the win over Chicago Fire. Inter Miami’s projected starting XI: St. Clair; Mura, Fray, Micael, Reguilon; Ruiz, Bright, Segovia; Silvetti, Suarez, Berterame. When could Messi be back? As for when Messi comes back, the picture is still taking shape. He’s expected to rejoin the group in late July or early August, but given the 21-day rest allowance, his likelier reappearance could come in the Leagues Cup. Inter Miami open group play against Atletico de San Luis on August 5, face Monterrey on August 8, and close against Leon on August 12 — a date that would line up with the end of his mandated rest period.
World Cup goalkeeper Goodman joins Dundee from Palace on loan
Crystal Palace goalkeeper Owen Goodman has joined Dundee on a season-long loan on his return from the World Cup with Canada. Jon McCracken, last season's first choice, left Dundee for Bradford City this summer and Goodman has been brought in to challenge Kieran O'Hara for the number one jersey.
World Cup finals reaction, plus what is next for Canada soccer after historic tournament
The World Cup is over, but the conversation is just beginning.We react to the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final, and break down the latest CPL and NSL action. Plus, we welcome Canadian soccer legend and Canada men's national team assistant coach Paul Stalteri to reflect on Canada's historic World Cup journey and what it means for the future of the program.
Owen Goodman on the front line as Canadian men open new cycle after historic 2026 World Cup
It seems like yesterday and forever ago when Owen Goodman, Canada’s 22-year-old goalkeeper of the future, sat beside the pool at the team’s Vancouver hotel, in that still-hopeful space between World Cup group stage games in June, and reflected on the experience of his young lifetime.
Spain beat Argentina 1-0 after extra time to win the 2026 World Cup – live
⚽ Trump, half-time show and everything but football – live⚽ Match gallery | Golden Boot | Follow on TikTok | Mail usYou can also follow the build up on our news blog, which contains photographtic proof that things are livening up in NYC“One of the big questions for those of us in the UK is how to watch the final,” writes David Wall. “For all that has been made about ITV’s coverage with their New York studio and one of two excellent pundits, I think their coverage has been less than the sum of its parts, as usual. They’ve not had people other than the commentators in the stadiums so all that studio showed was that it was quite windy in New York sometimes. Continue reading...
Is this the most controversial World Cup yet?
After more than 100 matches across Canada, Mexico and the United States, the FIFA World Cup 2026 is about to come to an end, cementing its legacy with highs, lows — and seemingly endless controversies. So, is this the most controversial World Cup? We talk to experts to get a sense of how this year's decisions have affected the tournament.
Fraser hopes Laryea’s positive World Cup campaign will benefit Toronto
Toronto FC return to MLS action against rivals CF Montreal, with Richie Laryea back from Canada's historic World Cup campaign. The post Fraser hopes Laryea’s positive World Cup campaign will benefit Toronto appeared first on SoccerNews.