Transfer news: New York Cosmos sign Spanish legend Raul

The New York Cosmos of the NASL have signed former Real Madrid striker Raul Gonzalez Blanco.

Chicharito scores in Real Madrid Copa del Rey win

Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez scored his fourth goal with Real Madrid in a 4-1 win.

Transfer rumors: Mexico's Guillermo Ochoa looking for way out of Malaga?

Guillermo Ochoa’s short stint at Malaga could be coming to an end this winter.

Jurgen Klinsmann's FIFA Coach of the Year nod raises interesting questions

The U.S. national team coach was surprisingly added to the shortlist for the award.

Transfer news: Alejandro Bedoya will likely move from Nantes in winter

Alejandro Bedoya will likely move away from the French club this winter after talks of a new deal fall apart.

Maradona allegedly caught on camera hitting girlfriend

Argentine legend Diego Maradona was allegedly caught on camera striking his ex-girlfriend.

Carlos Vela among Europe-based players called for Mexico friendlies

Carlos Vela has been called into Mexico's camp for November friendly matches against the Netherlands and Belarus.

U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann named to FIFA Coach of the Year shortlist

Jurgen Klinsmann has been named on the 10-man shortlist for the FIFA World Coach of the Year for Men’s Football award.

Ballon d'Or: No Luis Suarez, no credibility for FIFA's top prize

The exclusion of Luis Suarez from the shortlist makes a mockery of the search to find the year's best 23 players.

Major League Soccer announces plans for new Los Angeles franchise

Major League Soccer announces the closing down of Chivas USA and start of new LA team.

Major League Soccer playoff schedule set

Ten teams will vie for the MLS Cup, which will be awarded on Dec. 7.

MLS Playoffs: Columbus Crew are a legit title contender heading into postseason

Columbus has put together a dream campaign that could see it be the latest surprise MLS Cup champion.

US Soccer poster is umm, interesting

So, about this.

Field conditions not ideal

The World Cup begins on Thursday and one of the fields is not ready for use.

World Cup stadium

Brazil’s overdue and over-budget World Cup 2014 preparations have been plunged into further chaos following news that the Arena das Dunas in Natal may not be ready for its opening match of the tournament.

Sepp Blatter

FIFA president Sepp Blatter insists there is no reason why soccer could not one day be played on other planets. "We should wonder if one day our game will be played on other planets. Why not?" he said during a speech Wednesday.

USA-Belgium friendly

The United States was set to take on Belgium in a closed-door friendly Thursday as its final preparation for the opening World Cup match against Ghana, but that match will no longer take place.

Landon Donovan

ESPN announced on Wednesday that the erstwhile U.S. national team star Landon Donovan is joining the network as an analyst through the World Cup.

Mexico World Cup

Another World Cup, another chance for Mexico to step up and break out from perennial underachiever to serious contender. Despite the tortuous qualifying process, El Tri will begin with the same hope as ever – the quarterfinals.

Beckham franchise

Miami has told David Beckham and his group of investors that their plans for a stadium in the city's downtown Museum Park and deep-water boat slip are a no-go.

Cristiano Ronaldo learns another kind of football

Cristiano Ronaldo learned to throw a football while at Jets practice this week.

Brazil's Neymar

One would think that Brazilian striker Neymar would be feeling the pressure of being the face of the World Cup, but the 22-year-old Barcelona man says he is "happy" and can deal with the attention, writes Mike DeCourcy.

World Cup facts

With the World Cup getting started on Thursday, here are seven things every fan needs to know about the World Cup.

Travel chaos

FIFA vice president Jim Boyce says there is nothing that football’s world governing body could have done to prevent the travel chaos which has hampered the build-up to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

World Cup 2014

How does a sports agent fulfill his responsibilities around the world's largest sporting event, the World Cup? Two agents offer an inside look.

World Cup 2014: Follow U.S., Mexico and more live from Brazil

Follow along as Sporting News writers Ives Galarcep and Mike DeCourcy, along with several Goal correspondents, provide updates from Brazil throughout the entire World Cup.

Brazil death

Police in Brazil's biggest city say a construction accident on a monorail meant to expand the city's metro network has killed a worker.

Mexico's World Cup team bus breaks down

Mexico's World Cup squad had to use taxis to get to training on Monday after the team bus wouldn't start.

World Cup 2014 Friday Schedule: Spain, Netherlands, Mexico and More

Breaking down schedule and kickoff times (Eastern) for a Friday of matches featuring Spain-Netherlands, Mexico-Cameroon and Chile-Australia.

Friedel extension

Tottenham goalkeeper Brad Friedel has signed a new one-year deal with the Premier League club.

Bolt responds

Usain Bolt has replied to Paul Pogba on Twitter after the Juventus midfielder goaded the Jamaican Olympic sprinter following France's 8-0 victory over the Reggae Boyz on Friday.

Gerrard injury

Roy Hodgson is sweating on the fitness of Steven Gerrard ahead of Saturday's opening World Cup clash with Italy after the England captain left training early with a tight groin.

Ochoa starting?

Guillermo Ochoa has started the past two World Cups on the bench but may get his chance to finally play at Brazil 2014, with ESPN and Fox reporting he will start for Mexico on Friday against Cameroon.

Brazil protests

The World Cup is here, whether people like it or not. The political and economic undertones have left a sour taste on the local palate — so much so that some think the country would be better off if Argentina, not Brazil, collects the trophy.

The Final Game

What happens when clones replace the world's best soccer players? This.

Group of Death

Jurgen Klinsmann deployed the U.S. national team in a new system in Saturday's 2-1 win over Nigeria, and he may have found his ideal World Cup game plan in the process, writes Sporting News columnist Ives Galarcep.

FIFA rant

John Oliver destroyed FIFA on "Last Week Tonight."

Rooney's defense

Wayne Rooney is headed to Brazil with England for the World Cup, but not before flashing some serious defense on the hardwood.

Cameroon refuses to travel

The Cameroonian national team is refusing to travel to Brazil for the World Cup because of a dispute over bonus pay.

Jozy Altidore

Jozy Altidore had not scored for club or country in 2014 until Saturday night. A two-goal showing against Nigeria is just what the big striker needs to get confidence heading to Brazil, Ives Galarcep writes.

Jozy is back

Jozy Altidore scored for the first time in 28 games and his second goal was a thing of beauty.

World Cup bought?

FIFA's decision to award the 2022 World Cup to Qatar came under further scrutiny as a British newspaper published new allegations that Mohamed Bin Hammam used his wealth and top level contacts to buy support for Qatar's successful bid for the 2022 World Cup.

Howard miletone

Tim Howard has now hit the 100-cap mark for the United States national team, reaching the milestone in Saturday's friendly against Nigeria.

USA vs. Nigeria

Jozy Altidore's first goals of 2014 for club or country made the difference as the U.S. team completed its World Cup send-off series with a 2-1 win against Nigeria. The Americans will open the World Cup against Ghana on June 16.

USMNT golf

The U.S. national team visited TPC Sawgrass prior to their final World Cup tune-up game.

Mexico forwards

With the Mexican national team going to the World Cup coming off back-to-back shutout losses, including a 1-0 defeat to Portugal on Friday, El Tri fans should be alarmed by the lack of attacking quality, writes Keith Hickey.

USA vs. Nigeria

Although he already has an idea for a first-choice lineup, U.S. national team coach Jurgen Klinsmann acknowledged that some decisions have yet to be made on his World Cup starting XI ahead of Saturday's friendly against Nigeria.

Mexico vs. Portugal

Just as Mexico appeared to be heading to the World Cup on a positive note, Portugal defender Bruno Alves scored on a header in injury time to hand the hosts a 1-0 loss at Gillette Stadium on Friday.

Rio de Janeiro

The World Cup is just six days away but Rio de Janeiro remains strangely subdued ahead of the biggest football event on the planet.

USA vs. Nigeria

National team legend Brian McBride hopes to see some progress along the back line in the final game before the Americans depart for Brazil.

Ribery injury

With the World Cup already rocked by a number of high-profile withdrawals due to injury, Bayern Munich forward Franck Ribery became the greatest star to pull out, hitting his French national side hard, writes Robin Bairner.

Guillermo Ochoa

No Mexican national player can be more upset than Guillermo “Memo” Ochoa with the 2014 World Cup less than a week away. For the third consecutive tournament, the goalkeeper will likely be on the bench, writes Tom Marshall.

Franck Ribery

France winger Franck Ribery has been ruled out of the World Cup after failing to overcome a back injury.

Tim Howard

Tim Howard will join a prestigious group on Saturday when he takes the field for his 100th U.S. national team appearance. But he will need a strong World Cup to set his place as the greatest ever, writes SN's Ives Galarcep.

This Is SportsCenter

Michael Bradley stars in the new "This Is SportsCenter" commercial.

World Cup TV

The 2014 FIFA World Cup is under way, and SN has the guide of where to watch all the action from Brazil, starting with the host nation taking on Croatia in the opener on June 12 and ending with the final on July 13.

Neymar's epic ad

Watch how Neymar prepares for the World Cup with Beats by Dre.

Mexico starting XI

Mexico coach Miguel Herrera has unveiled the lineup that will face Portugal on Friday in El Tri's final pre-World Cup friendly, with Jesus Corona in goal and Giovani dos Santos up top.

Ronaldo out

The Mexican national team has a lot to worry about these days, but at least it won't have to deal with Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo.

Julian Green

Julian Green has yet to earn his first U.S. national team start, but Saturday's pre-World Cup friendly against Nigeria could be the perfect opportunity for him to show everyone what he can do, writes SN columnist Ives Galarcep.

MLS transfers

With Spain forward David Villa en route to Major League Soccer, Juan Mata says his nation's all-time leading scorer could be "the first of many" Spaniards to make that journey across the Atlantic and join the growing league.

Ronaldo injury

Portugal says forward Cristiano Ronaldo has tendinitis in his left leg to go with a left leg muscle injury as the team prepares for its World Cup opener on June 16 against Germany.

Miguel Herrera

A pre-World Cup friendly loss to Boznia-Herzegovina left plenty of questions for coach Miguel Herrera and the Mexican national team, and Sporting News columnist Tom Marshall runs through his winners and losers on the night.

El Tri loses

Izet Hajrovic scored from close range in the 41st minute, and Bosnia and Herzegovina defeated Mexico 1-0 in a pre-World Cup friendly Tuesday night.

Mexico friendly

Mexico head coach Miguel Herrera will have plenty to think about before setting his final World Cup starting lineup after an extremely poor showing in a 1-0 loss to Bosnia-Herzegovina at Soldier Field on Tuesday.

David Beckham hints at returning to the pitch

David Beckham has been wrestling with retirement and may consider playing soccer again.

Fake Ajax kits

Ajax players were tricked into thinking they were getting ridiculously ugly new uniforms.

Beckham return?

David Beckham says he might come out of retirement and play soccer again.

Mexico friendly

Javier Hernandez will get a chance to stake his claim for a World Cup starting spot against Bosnia-Herzegovina on Tuesday in Chicago, with the Man United striker starting his first match for El Tri since the end of the season.

Frank Lampard

Frank Lampard has been the epitome of consistency, professionalism and excellence for the best part of a decade at Chelsea, and there can be no replacing him at Stamford Bridge, writes UK columnist Liam Twomey.

2022 World Cup investigation

FIFA hopes to complete their investigation into the integrity surrounding the bidding process for the 2022 World Cup sometime next week.

Lampard to Liverpool

England midfielder Frank Lampard is set to head to the World Cup without a club after announcing he is leaving Chelsea.

World Cup 2014: Opening match times and TV schedule

The 2014 FIFA World Cup is right around the corner. The world's biggest sporting even will begin with Brazil vs. Croatia on Thursday, June 12, and continue until July 13 with the championship match.

Giuseppe Rossi

New Jersey-born forward Giuseppe Rossi was cut from Italy's 23-man squad for the World Cup in Brazil, and it is a decision that could cost the Azzurri come the knockout stages, writes columnist Carlo Garganese.

Villa to NYCFC

New York City FC confirmed David Villa as the Major League Soccer club's first signing on Monday morning, announcing that Spain's all-time leading scorer has joined the expansion team on a three-year deal.

Jozy Altidore

Jozy Altidore still hasn't scored a goal for the United States national team in 2014, but the Sunderland striker showed some very positive signs in Sunday's friendly victory against Turkey, writes Sporting News columnist Ives Galarcep.

USA friendly

Fabian Johnson's first goal for the U.S. national team is just one piece of good news in its send-off series. Victory over attack-minded Turkey is further evidence the Yanks are primed for the World Cup.

Friendly injuries

Mexico's costly win

Mexico kept its good run of form going with another strong showing in a 3-1 win over Ecuador, but the win could prove costly as two of the team's stars picked up injuries, with Luis Montes out for the World Cup.

Paper airplane from Wembley's upper deck hits player on the pitch

A paper airplane launched by a fan from the upper deck of Wembley Stadium somehow crash-landed into a player on the pitch.

Puyol retires

U.S. national team

Incredible World Cup ad

The Bank of Chile put together the best World Cup commercial we've seen thus far.

American soccer

Soccer has continued to grow in popularity and talent in the U.S. following recent World Cups. Now, the 14th-ranked American team has a chance to move the sport along even further in Brazil, writes SN's Mike DeCourcy.

Summer transfers

As players from around the globe prepare to do battle in Brazil for the game's most prestigious prize, some may also be use the World Cup finals as a shop window to attract a big-money move. We break down 10 looking to move.

Pele hair gems

Pele is selling gemstones made out of a carbon extracted from his hair.

World Cup

Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez is satisfied with Mexico's performance in a 3-0 win over Israel. However, he realizes El Tri has a long way to go before it clicks. Tom Marshall has more on this World Cup team.

Mexico friendly

Miguel Herrera's charges win by a comfortable scoreline against Israel, but there are still areas in which El Tri can improve. Tom Marshall lays them out in his review of the World Cup tune-up at Estadio Azteca.

Mexico vs. Israel

Miguel Layun scored the first two international goals of his career and Marco Fabian added another to lead Mexico to a 3-0 victory over Israel in the team's final game at home before opening the World Cup against Cameroon.

Friendly match-fixing?

With allegations of match-fixing swirling around Scottish soccer, did Nigeria tip its hand during an international friendly on Wednesday?

Hawking Discovery

Dr. Stephen Hawking discovered the English National Team's chances of of winning the 2014 World Cup. Spoiler: not good.

Ronaldo most marketable

Cristiano Ronaldo is the most marketable footballer in the world, according to a top global sports marketing research group.

Mix Diskerud

Mix Diskerud inherits the USA No. 10 long worn by Landon Donovan, and his stint with the fabled jersey gets off to a good start with a goal in a victory over Azerbaijan, Goal.com's Ives Galarcep writes for Sporting News.

Mauricio Pochettino

Tottenham has confirmed that Mauricio Pochettino is the club's new manager. Southampton announced Tuesday afternoon that the Argentine had left the Saints, with Spurs releasing official confirmation shortly afterward.

USA vs. Azerbaijan

Jurgen Klinsmann had his first chance to see his final World Cup roster in the first of three friendlies before Brazil, and the U.S. national team did not disappoint in a 2-0 win over Azerbaijan at Candlestick Park on Tuesday.

World Cup ad

ESPN's new World Cup spot will put you in the mood for next month's matches.

Suarez return

Uruguay doctor Alberto Pan is refusing to give any potential return dates for Liverpool striker Luis Suarez.

USA vs. Azerbaijan

The U.S. national team's pre-World Cup training camp has been secretive, but on Monday Jurgen Klinsmann shed some light into his team's likely starting lineup versus Azerbaijan. SN's Ives Galarcep breaks down the potential XI.

Mexico friendly

Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez will have to wait for his chance to get back into the scoring groove. The Manchester United striker will be a substitute in Mexico’s World Cup farewell game in the Estadio Azteca.

Mexico friendlies

The changes being implemented by Miguel Herrera mean international matches in the build up to next month's World Cup in Brazil may be more important to El Tri than any other World Cup team, writes SN's Tom Marshall.

Julian Green

While conspiracies abound about how Julian Green made the U.S. World Cup team, his teammates and Jurgen Klinsmann insist the Bayern Munich prospect earned it in camp. And the 18-year-old feels he made the right choice.

Donovan's rebuttal

Landon Donovan scores MLS goals No. 135 and 136 in his first game after being left off the national roster.

Fellow MLS star rips Klinsmann's son's Donovan tweet

Two-time MLS champion Mike Magee ripped Jurgen Klinsmann's son's Landon Donvovan tweet.

Landon Donovan

Just two days after being left off the U.S. World Cup roster, LA Galaxy star midfielder Landon Donovan spoke to media to address coach Jurgen Klinsmann's decision, which surprised him as well as most national team fans.

Diego Costa

Landon Donovan

Champions League

Sergio Ramos' stoppage-time equalizer atoned for Iker Casillas' mistake and set Real Madrid down the path to finally completing La Decima with a stunning 4-1 victory over city rival Atletico, writes Kris Voakes.

Mansion for rent

Brazilian soccer legend Ronaldinho is renting out his mansion for the World Cup

Champions League

Gareth Bale scored the game-winning goal in extra time to help Real Madrid wrap up a stunning come-from-behind 4-1 victory over city rival Atletico and walk away from Lisbon's Stadium of Light with the Champions League trophy.

Eqaulizer

Sergio Ramos scored with just minutes remaining in the Champions League final against Atletico Madrid.

Casillas' error

Atletico Madrid got on the scoreboard first thanks to Iker Casillas' huge error.

Mexicans abroad

While Mexican youngsters will seek to impress at the World Cup and hope that a move to Europe materializes, at least four of El Tri’s Europe-based legion have plenty at stake regarding their futures over the pond.

Klinsmann's son

U.S. national team coach Jurgen Klinsmann addressed a controversial tweet from his son that seemed to mock Landon Donovan's exclusion from the 23-man roster headed to the World Cup.

Klinsmann reaction

U.S. national team coach Jurgen Klinsmann addresses the media a day after leaving Landon Donovan off the 23-man World Cup roster. What's his explanation? His expectation? SN's Mike Slane has answers.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo was once regarded as a player who couldn't make the difference in important matches but his time at the Bernabeu has disproved those accusations, writes columnist Peter Staunton.

USA starter

U.S. national team coach Jurgen Klinsmann announced his 23-man World Cup roster on Thursday. With the exclusion of Landon Donovan, the starting lineup will look a lot different than most have projected over the past few months.

Donovan dumped

Landon Donovan may not be the fit flash he used to be, but there remained a sense his presence would be worthwhile to a young U.S. World Cup roster. Donovan's exclusion is a shame and a mistake, SN's Mike DeCourcy writes.

Donovan snub

Landon Donovan's absence from the U.S. World Cup roster sent waves through American soccer, but a closer look at the snub suggests that maybe it shouldn't have been a shock, writes Sporting News columnist Ives Galarcep.

Remember Donovan

Landon Donovan isn't going to Brazil, but nobody will ever forget what he did in South Africa.

Dononvan left off roster

Landon Donovan will not be going to Brazil with the USMNT.

USA WC roster

The United States national team's final World Cup roster was released on Thursday afternoon, with LA Galaxy star midfielder Landon Donovan on the outside looking in. Veteran Maurice Edu also missed the cut.

Moyes investigated

Former Manchester United manager David Moyes is reportedly being investigated by police over an alleged assault at a bar in Lancashire, England.

Aron Johannsson

U.S. national team striker Aron Johannsson is coming off a breakout season at AZ, and will be hoping to keep his scoring success going on the international level with a trip to Brazil this summer, writes Ives Galarcep.

Suarez's future

Liverpool and Uruguay striker Luis Suarez is a doubt for the World Cup with a knee injury and has been linked with a move to Real Madrid despite insisting he is happy at Anfield. Greg Stobart explores the star's future.

Suarez injury

Uruguay striker Luis Suarez had keyhole surgery on his knee on Thursday and is expected to recover in time for the World Cup.

U.S. youngsters ready

DaMarcus Beasley is one of the U.S. national team's most experienced players and he has seen enough in Julian Green and DeAndre Yedlin to say both could make the World Cup roster

Chicharito transfer

Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez is fully focused on helping Mexico at the World Cup but admitted Wednesday that his club future is up in the air.

Rooney's summer

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney signed a big-money five-year contract in February - but is his star on the wane both at club level and for the England national team? Columnist Greg Stobart takes a closer look.

Medina injury

An ankle operation is keeping Club America midfielder Juan Carlos Medina out of the World Cup, which represents a blow to Miguel Herrera's side ahead of Brazil. El Tri will be short in the midfield, writes SN's Tom Marshall.

World Cup 2014

Former U.S. national team forward Taylor Twellman knows all too well what it's like being one of the last players cut before a World Cup. Now a TV analyst, he tells his tale of frustration to SN's' Mike DeCourcy.

Yaya's birthday snub

Manchester City superstar Yaya Toure is very upset with the club for not acknowledging his birthday in the manner on which he had hoped for.

Green's potential

U.S. national team midfielder Landon Donovan has praised Julian Green, the youngest player in the national team's camp. But the World Cup veteran also says patience is needed before we can judge the 18-year-old forward.

The MLS Wrap

The New England Revolution came into the season with high expectations. Following a slow start, we are now seeing the side that was expected after a promising 2013, writes Sporting News columnist Ives Galarcep.

Barca hires Enrique

Former Barcelona player and B team boss Luis Enrique has been confirmed as the club's new coach on a two-year deal.

Cristiano Ronaldo appears on Vogue cover with Irina Shayk, without clothing

You won't see Cristiano Ronaldo like this on the pitch any time soon.

Messi contract

Lionel Messi has signed a new and improved contract with Barcelona, the club has announced.

Castillo transfer

Edgar Castillo has been the subject of transfer talk for more than a year, but the American appears ready to make a move, with sources telling Sporting News/Goal USA he's heading to Monterrey.

Louis van Gaal

New Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has a history of controversies and fall-outs but his resume and ability to develop and build competitive sides is more impressive than any other manager on the market.

Val Gaal hired

Manchester United has appointed Louis van Gaal as its new manager on a three-year contract.

Costa out of final

Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa looks set to miss the UEFA Champions League final, casting doubt on his FIFA World Cup involvement.

Wilmer Cabrera

Though the club continues to struggle, new manager Wilmer Cabrera is pleased with Chivas USA's progress and work ethic.

Drogba transfer

Ivory Coast forward Didier Drogba has announced that he is to leave Galatasaray after one and a half seasons with the club.

Barca struggles

Neymar's on-pitch performances are not to blame for the trophyless season for Barcelona, but the Brazilian is the representation of a club that desperately needs to rediscover itself, writes Paul Macdonald.