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Soccer
Reigning MLS Cup champions Inter Miami are back from the offseason looking stronger than ever. But the likes of LAFC, Vancouver Whitecaps, San Diego and others will do all they can to derail the Miami juggernaut.
Jon Arnold|

SOCCER HEADLINES

BEST OF SI FC

All 30 MLS teams are gearing up for what promises to be an action-packed, rivalry-filled season.
Amanda Langell|
Jon Arnold|
Ben Steiner|
SI FC Staff|
Henry Winter|
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Man City are seeking a fifth straight win as they chase table-toppers Arsenal.
Ewan Ross-Murray|
It’s another heavyweight weekend of action, headlined by the North London Derby.
James Cormack|
The Blues have won just one of their encounters with promoted teams this season.
Ewan Ross-Murray|
From box-to-box stars to defensive midfield enforcers, some of the very best in the business have starred in the Premier League.
Barnaby Lane|
The Gunners need to reinvigorate their title charge after a blip in results.
James Cormack|

LA LIGA

Real Madrid enter Saturday’s game as the La Liga leaders.
James Cormack|
The Brazilian is back to his best form after a trying start to 2025–26.
Amanda Langell|
The Portuguese’s stance left many shocked after Vinicius Jr alleged he’d been the victim of racist abuse.
Ewan Ross-Murray|
Álvaro Arbeloa’s getting a fine tune out of La Liga’s new leaders.
James Cormack|
Messi has already vowed to return to Barcelona at some point in the future.
Tom Gott|

MUST READS 🔥

The Premier League has played hosts to some of the best soccer players ever seen.
Malik Tillman carries the hopes of the USMNT heading into the 2026 World Cup.
The Ballon d’Or has taken on a whole new meaning in modern times, making it arguably the most valuable individual award in sport.
Aitana Bonmatí has cemented her legacy as one of the best women’s players ever.

MLS

Toronto FC's raises standards and expectations for 2025 with Sargent signing.
Ben Steiner|
The Eastern Conference will be extremely competitive in 2026.
Ben Steiner|
Son Heung-min and Lionel Messi are set to clash on MLS opening weekend.
Ben Steiner|
Lionel Messi could see another Inter Miami teammate win the title in 2026.
Ben Steiner|
The Herons face an awkward start to the defense of their MLS crown.
Ewan Ross-Murray|

WOMEN’S SOCCER

Emma Hayes has called up her strongest possible squad ahead of matches against Argentina, Canada and Colombia.
Theo Lloyd-Hughes|
The U.S. women’s national team opened 2026 with a pair of big wins over South American opponents, but which players impressed most under Emma Hayes?
Theo Lloyd-Hughes|
The assistant captain of Stanford’s women’s soccer team Sammy Smith is a dual-sport star heading to Italy in February.
Ben Steiner|
In its first match of 2026, the U.S. grew into a game that showed rust and quality in almost equal measure.
Theo Lloyd-Hughes|
The U.S. women’s national team forward inked a new three-year contract with the Washington Spirit and is likely the first NWSL player to access new funds outside the salary cap.
Theo Lloyd-Hughes|

TRANSFER NEWS

Sandro Tonali, Julián Alvarez, Marcus Rashford and Antonio Rüdiger all feature in the gossip.
SI FC Staff|
The Bundesliga star in question has already expressed a willingness to fulfil these wishes.
Ewan Ross-Murray|
Arsenal and Liverpool were both linked with the same in-form forward.
Grey Whitebloom|
There is still uncertainty about how long the Liverpool legend will remain at Anfield.
Jamie Spencer|

THE BEST PLAYERS IN THE WORLD

Quality distribution and composure on the ball is now as important as shot-stopping ability.
SI FC Staff|
The role has been redefined over the years as players look to invert and push into midfield.
SI FC Staff|
The world's best strikers must find a way to get past some outstanding centre backs.
SI FC Staff|
The role of the modern left back is ever-evolving—and these players represent the very best in the world currently.
SI FC Staff|
Supremely talented anchors and deep-lying playmakers often hold the key to success.
SI FC Staff|

Some players make the most difficult position to play look easy.
SI FC Staff|
The great finishers often rely on the brilliance of those operating just behind the forward line.
SI FC Staff|
A number of modern day greats have flourished cutting in from the right flank.
SI FC Staff|
Some of the world's elite players operate on the left, terrorising full backs both inside and out.
SI FC Staff|
The role of the modern day striker varies hugely depending on a team's style of play.
SI FC Staff|

THE BEST EVER

Lionel Messi, Pele, Cristiano Ronaldo and Diego Maradona headline the greatest soccer players of all time.
SI Staff|