L.A. Times - Soccer

'I'm upset.' Frustrated Angel City fans excited yet wary amid a playoff push

Kevin Baxter — Tue, 6 Oct 2026 16:55:59 GMT

Angel City fans are frustrated by the team's poor results, saying trust has been broken by losses amid constant leadership and player changes.

Cristiano Ronaldo's future with Portugal in question after star player leaves camp. Here's how we got here

Chuck Schilken — Thu, 1 Oct 2026 23:19:15 GMT

Cristiano Ronaldo left Portugal's training camp after coach Jorge Jesus said the superstar would not start the team's next game. Here's what we know about the situation.

LAFC names Xavi Tamarit interim coach to steer late playoff push

Kevin Baxter — Thu, 1 Oct 2026 16:56:41 GMT

LAFC is turning Xavi Tamarit, a veteran of the English Premier League and Spain's La Liga, to coach the team as it pushes to improve its playoff seed.

'They chose to cheat.' Why Manchester City needs to face heavy punishment for violations

Kevin Baxter — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 11:00:00 GMT

What should be the appropriate punishment for Manchester City breaching Premier League and UEFA financial rules?

LAFC fires coach Marc Dos Santos amid slump

Kevin Baxter — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 02:17:23 GMT

Slumping LAFC fired first-year coach Marc Dos Santos with six matches left in the MLS regular season.

What U.S. men's soccer coach Mauricio Pochettino is seeking for next World Cup cycle

Kevin Baxter — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Should U.S. men's coach Mauricio Pochettino continue to build on the roster he has or should he try to start over as much as possible before the 2030 World Cup?

JJ Gabriel, a top soccer prospect at age 15, wants out of his Manchester United deal

Chuck Schilken — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 20:36:14 GMT

JJ Gabriel, a 15-year-old rising soccer star, was set to become Manchester United's youngest first-team player. Instead, he has requested to be released from his youth deal with the club.

Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Lamine Yamal ease the blow of losing Messi and Ronaldo

Kevin Baxter — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 11:00:00 GMT

With Lionel Messi retiring and Cristiano Ronaldo presumably not far behind, one of soccer's greatest eras is ending. But the next one could be even better.

Galaxy's playoff outlook suffers setback in draw with Seattle

Kevin Baxter — Sun, 13 Sep 2026 05:06:51 GMT

The Galaxy give up a late goal and have to settle for a 1-1 draw with the Seattle Sounders that hurts their chances of reaching the MLS Cup playoffs.

From benchwarmers to saviors: New additions look to revive Galaxy's playoff hopes

Kevin Baxter — Tue, 8 Sep 2026 11:00:00 GMT

The Galaxy has undergone a roster overhaul this summer aimed at making the team more competitive ahead of a late-season playoff push.

New-look Galaxy topple Revolution to revive their MLS playoff push

Kevin Baxter — Sun, 6 Sep 2026 03:52:15 GMT

Mired in a slump and struggling to stay out of the bottom of the standings, the Galaxy treated Saturday as a must-win in a 2-1 victory over New England.

Rebecca Lowe, Ted Lasso and innovation helped NBC's Premier League gamble pay off

Kevin Baxter — Tue, 1 Sep 2026 11:00:00 GMT

With a nimble host in Rebecca Lowe and a longtime commitment to winning over U.S. soccer fans, NBC's English Premier League investment is paying off.

Angel City's prolonged coaching carousel testing patience of frustrated fans

Kevin Baxter — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Angel City sporting director Mark Parsons is taking his time searching for a new coach in a strategy that could jeopardize the team's playoff chances.

Joseph Paintsil's goal lifts Galaxy past the Earthquakes as Hirving Lozano makes his home debut

Jad El Reda — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 04:52:29 GMT

With the Galaxy a man down, Joseph Paintsil scored in the 79th minute to give them a victory over the Earthquakes.

How Jacob Shaffelburg's wild World Cup ride is helping fuel LAFC's post-break surge

Kevin Baxter — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Jacob Shaffelburg and LAFC's two other FIFA World Cup players have played leading roles in the team's strong run since the break.

What Bob Iger's Angel City ownership can illuminate about his impending Lakers acquisition

Kevin Baxter — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 20:51:46 GMT

The NWSL is a long way from the NBA, but the Iger family's management of Angel City FC may hint at what's in store for the Lakers.

A World Cup referee shares his view of red cards, hydration breaks and soccer history

Jad El Reda — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Referee Iván Barton recalls how he was assigned to officiate a World Cup semifinal between France and Spain and his view of changes that have shaped modern refereeing.

'We tricked them.' Why 'Ted Lasso' probably deserves some credit for U.S. soccer boom

Kevin Baxter — Sun, 9 Aug 2026 11:30:00 GMT

The Apple TV series "Ted Lasso" is supposed to primarily be a wide-appealing comedy, yet its role in popularizing soccer in the U.S. can't be dismissed.

Galaxy sign former Mexican national team star Hirving 'Chucky' Lozano

Jad El Reda — Fri, 7 Aug 2026 20:42:27 GMT

After a chaotic stint with San Diego FC, Mexican forward Chucky Lozano is joining the Galaxy on loan for the remainder of the MLS season.

News Analysis: Gianni Infantino's Kushner-linked World Cup scheme jeopardizes his FIFA reign

Kevin Baxter — Tue, 4 Aug 2026 11:00:00 GMT

FIFA president Gianni Infantino is losing the support of international soccer's top federations after a scheme to sell a stake in the World Cup is exposed.

Larry Berg, LAFC managing co-owner, chosen as next MLS commissioner

Kevin Baxter — Mon, 3 Aug 2026 22:23:23 GMT

Larry Berg, the co-managing owner of LAFC, was chosen Monday to become the third commissioner in MLS history when Don Garber retires in December.

How the World Cup became 'a great dry run' for the 2028 L.A. Olympics

Thuc Nhi Nguyen — Mon, 3 Aug 2026 11:00:00 GMT

The success of the FIFA World Cup in Southern California provided valuable lessons for LA28 as it continues its preparations for the 2028 Olympic Games.

News Analysis: Why Gianni Infantino's secret attempt to sell World Cup stake backfired so spectacularly

Kevin Baxter — Sat, 1 Aug 2026 02:23:24 GMT

Gianni Infantino's FIFA presidency is on life support after his abandoned attempt to sell a stake of the World Cup to private equity draws international outrage.

Trump lingers awkwardly long after presenting World Cup trophy to Spain. It could have been worse

Chuck Schilken — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 19:16:57 GMT

The World Cup trophy presentation got awkward when President Trump lingered onstage after Spain's 1-0 win over Argentina, evoking a similar episode at last year's Club World Cup.

News Analysis: Argentina lost more than the World Cup final. It lost its class and decorum

Kevin Baxter — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 18:27:16 GMT

If Argentina had kept its composure it would have secured a place next to Brazil and Germany, the only other countries to reach three finals in four World Cups, as one of the greatest teams ever.

Arellano: How this World Cup finally taught me to love soccer

Gustavo Arellano — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 17:38:33 GMT

Over 104 games, a bunch of questionable VAR calls, another heartbreaking downfall by Mexico and a brilliant goal by Spain's Ferran Torres, I learned why soccer is the world's most popular sport.

Despite some irritating flaws, 2026 World Cup a rousing success for FIFA, U.S. and fans

Kevin Baxter — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Spain, Cape Verde, Erling Haaland and many magical moments helped spread World Cup fever, making the ambitious tournament expansion a success despite flaws.

Spain's youth movement dethrones aging Argentina in thrilling World Cup final

Kevin Baxter — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 00:24:22 GMT

Ferran Torres scores in the 106th minute as Spain defeats Lionel Messi and defending champion Argentina to cap an exciting FIFA World Cup in North America.

Pico Rivera's Nathan Negrete's brush with World Cup stars made a lasting impact

Liana Handler — Sun, 19 Jul 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Nathan Negrete, 9, walked out with U.S. star Weston McKennie ahead of the U.S. World Cup opener at SoFi Stadium and was inspired by the experience.

World Cup appears to have dodged worse wildfire smoke thanks to rain

Kevin Baxter — Sat, 18 Jul 2026 22:06:05 GMT

Showers and thunderstorms triggered a flash flood warning for Manhattan and northeastern New Jersey on Saturday, but the rain also helped blow out the smoke from Canadian wildfires that had choked the tristate area for days and threatened to disrupt Sunday's World Cup final at MetLife Stadium.

Lionel Messi chases historic World Cup repeat as Argentina faces Spain in final

Kevin Baxter — Sat, 18 Jul 2026 18:56:03 GMT

Few players get to the sport's ultimate game more than once, and the winners often forget to savor the moment until long after the champion is determined.

Swanson: LAFC star Son Heung-min proves life after the World Cup can offer hope and redemption

Mirjam Swanson — Sat, 18 Jul 2026 16:52:24 GMT

Son Heung-Min was gutted by an epic goal drought during South Korea's brutal World Cup run, but a goal Friday night against the Galaxy offers hope for better days.

Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal, stars of iconic photo shoot, to battle for World Cup crown

Kevin Baxter — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 20:44:43 GMT

Lionel Messi has been a soccer star for so long, Spain's top playmaker Lamine Yamal appeared alongside the future World Cup foe as a 3-month-old baby.

World Cup championship and third-place game: Start times and how to watch

Kevin Baxter — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Everything you need to know to watch and follow the 2026 FIFA World Cup championship game and third-place game, including start times and TV information.

How Spain 'recaptured the spirit of 2010' in its run to the World Cup final

Kevin Baxter — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 15:13:58 GMT

Spain, back in the World Cup final for the first time since winning the tournament in 2010, has many similarities to its title-winning predecessors.

Magical Lionel Messi leads Argentina past England for trip back to World Cup final

Kevin Baxter — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 00:08:50 GMT

Lionel Messi had two assists, deftly helping Argentina's attack pick apart England's defense during a 2-1 World Cup semifinal win in Atlanta on Wednesday.

How World Cup senior citizens like Lionel Messi have bio-hacked longer careers

Kevin Baxter — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Argentina star Lionel Messi headlines a group of World Cup players having an impact in their late 30s and 40s thanks to advances in sports science.

Spain delivers surprise rout of France, clinches berth into World Cup final

Kevin Baxter — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 00:03:32 GMT

Spain's formidable defense helped it smother a France team that looked invincible before wilting during a 2-0 World Cup semifinal loss Tuesday in Arlington, Texas.

Folarin Balogun says his red card controversy 'didn't help' U.S. at World Cup

Chuck Schilken — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 23:00:30 GMT

Folarin Balogun says the firestorm over his World Cup red card 'didn't help' the U.S. men's national team but rejects it as an excuse for a 4-1 loss to Belgium in the round of 16.

Norway star Erling Haaland left the U.S. with seven World Cup goals and a taxidermy raccoon, sparking a run on the item

Chuck Schilken — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 19:20:18 GMT

Erling Haaland, the Norway striker who became a hit with U.S. fans during the World Cup, couldn't leave Dallas without a few souvenirs. Those included a taxidermy raccoon and two squirrels.

How France went from World Cup embarrassment in South Africa to soccer superpower

Kevin Baxter — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 21:09:40 GMT

France coach Didier Deschamps' leadership and an elite academy system are among the reasons the French are in the midst a World Cup renaissance.

World Cup semifinals schedule: Start times for every match and how to watch

Kevin Baxter — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Everything you need to know to watch and follow the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals, including start times and TV and streaming information for every game.

News Analysis: Mexico wins back fans but is still searching for ways to pass familiar World Cup wall

Eduard Cauich — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 21:38:10 GMT

Mexico coach Javier Aguirre did not lead to the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since 1986, but he united players and won over fans.

News Analysis: Seven reasons why U.S. men's soccer keeps crashing out of the World Cup

Kevin Baxter — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 11:00:00 GMT

An inefficient youth pipeline, competition from other sports and an inability to develop a superstar are some of the reasons why the U.S. keeps losing in the World Cup.

How VAR, a system designed to correct errors, became this World Cup's biggest villain

Kevin Baxter — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 11:00:00 GMT

VAR, a video replay system implemented to correct blatant errors in soccer, has come under fire for harming the spirit of the game.

Swanson: SoFi Stadium proves to be one of the biggest stars of the 2026 World Cup

Mirjam Swanson — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 00:11:46 GMT

It makes sense that players and coaches taking part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup can't stop saying nice things about SoFi Stadium.