• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
Tuned In returns to NYC on September 16. Hear from the biggest names in sports media. Click here to get your spot

USMNT–Pulisic Drama Hits Gold Cup as FIFA’s Club World Cup Looms

The USMNT is playing in the Gold Cup this month, but without some of its biggest stars as FIFA’s Club World Cup steals the spotlight.

Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The U.S. men’s national soccer team has begun its Gold Cup journey this summer with plenty of drama on and off the field.

Ahead of Sunday’s opener against Trinidad and Tobago, USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino took a shot at the team’s biggest star, Christian Pulisic, who was not permitted to play in two recent friendlies after opting not to play in the Gold Cup.

“Players need to listen and stick with our plan,” Pochettino said Saturday. “They cannot dictate the plan.”

Last week, Pulisic said he respected Pochettino’s decision but “didn’t understand it.”

In response to those remarks, Pochettino said he didn’t need players to understand his decisions. “When I signed my contract with the federation, I am the head coach,” he said. “I am not a mannequin.”

Summer Competition 

The Gold Cup is being played at NFL and MLS stadiums across the U.S., and one in Vancouver, at the same time as the first edition of FIFA’s newly revamped Club World Cup.

The USMNT’s three Gold Cup group-play matches include stops in San Jose (PayPal Park), Austin (Q2 Stadium), and Dallas (AT&T Stadium). 

NRG Stadium will host the tournament’s final on July 6. MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., will host the Club World Cup final on July 13.

Inter Miami and Egyptian club Al-Ahly played out a scoreless draw at Hard Rock Stadium to kick off the Club World Cup Saturday night. The announced attendance was just 60,927. Lionel Messi played the entire game.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jul 27, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Sky guard Kia Nurse (11) drives to the basket against Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) during the second half at United Center.

Fever-Sky Draws 1.5M Viewers Despite Clark, Reese Absences

Clark and Reese both missed the game due to injury.

How Sports Leagues Are Responding to NFL Headquarters Shooting

The building housing the NFL headquarters was barricaded and closed Tuesday.
Jan 26, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) passes the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field.

$3.8B Commanders Stadium On Track for D.C. Approval

D.C. continues two days of public hearings on a proposed Commanders stadium.
Jul 27, 2025; Washington, D.C., USA; Leylah Fernandez (CAN) celebrates with the championship trophy after her match against Anna Kalinskaya (not pictured) in the women's singles final of the Mubadala Citi DC Open at Rock Creek Park Tennis Center.

DC Open Increases Women’s Purse by 39%, Keeps 2027 Target for Equal..

DC Open chairman Mark Ein spoke to Front Office Sports.

Featured Today

Las Vegas sign

College Sports Embracing Vegas After Years of Cold Shoulder

The Big Ten became the latest newcomer to Sin City.
2000, Jupiter, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Montreal Expos pitcher Hideki Irabu in action on the mound against the New York Mets at Roger Dean Stadium during Spring Training
July 28, 2025

Dead Sports Franchises Are Alive and Well on Twitter

The Expos, Sonics, and Whalers have active social media accounts.
Limited Hype
July 27, 2025

Sneaker Reselling Was Once Easy Money. Success Is Now Complicated

Vendors need to evolve what they’re selling and how they do it.
HAPPY GILMORE 2. BTS - (L to R) Adam Sandler as Happy Gilmore and Rory McIlroy as himself on the set of Happy Gilmore2.
July 26, 2025

‘Cool As Hell’: How ‘Happy Gilmore 2’ Hooked Golf’s Top Stars

The process was “cool as hell,” Adam Sandler tells FOS.

Gabby Williams: ‘Unrivaled Saved the WNBA’s Butt’

Unrivaled was co-founded by Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart.
Joaquin Niemann
July 28, 2025

Scottie Scheffler’s Season Earnings Surpassed by LIV’s Niemann

Niemann has made $21.94 million on the golf course this year.
Jul 24, 2025; Washington, D.C., USA; Venus Williams (USA) waves to the crowd after her match against Magdalena Frech (POL)(not pictured) in a women's singles match on day four of the Mubadala Citi DC Open at Rock Creek Park Tennis Center.
July 29, 2025

Venus Williams Returns to U.S. Open Ahead of New Mixed Doubles Format

The number of doubles teams at the US Open has been cut to 16 from 32.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
July 28, 2025

Inter Miami Owner Calls MLS Messi Suspension ‘Draconian’

Inter Miami’s owner and coach blast the league for penalizing the superstar.
July 27, 2025

Terry McLaurin Ends Commanders Holdout After Losing $800K

Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin is still seeking a new contract.
July 27, 2025

Lottie Woad Wins Pro Golf Debut After Forfeiting Nearly $600K As Amateur

Woad won the ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open and $300,000.
Christian Wilkins
July 25, 2025

Raiders Trying to Void $35 Million in Guaranteed Money They Owe 

Christian Wilkins missed most of the 2024 season with a Jones fracture.