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The Africa Cup of Nations reaches its quarterfinal stage today with narratives that go far beyond tactics and team sheets. Mali arrive believing mentality can outweigh pedigree as they face a powerful Senegal side, while Nigeria’s title push has been shaped as much by off-field leadership as on-field dominance, with captain Wilfred Ndidi stepping in to steady a bonus dispute that threatened preparation. Add heavyweight clashes like Morocco–Cameroon and Algeria–Nigeria to the mix, and the final eight feels less like a bracket and more like a referendum on belief, stability, and who is truly built for the pressure of knockout football.

Mali–Senegal opens the quarterfinals with one of the tournament’s most compelling contrasts, pedigree versus posture. Senegal arrive as one of Africa’s elite powers, loaded with goals and experience, but Mali have built their run on defiance and discipline rather than dominance. Tom Saintfiet’s blunt assessment that his side has faced tougher opposition than Senegal may sound like bravado, yet it reflects a genuine belief forged through hard tests against Morocco and Tunisia. Down to 10 men for more than an hour in the round of 16 and still surviving, Mali now lean fully into the underdog role, not chasing perfection but trusting mentality, physical resilience, and the freedom that comes with having nothing to lose.

Friday’s other quarterfinal, Morocco–Cameroon, is rich with history and tension. Morocco have advanced efficiently but not always convincingly, drawing criticism for a conservative approach that head coach Walid Regragui continues to defend as tournament realism rather than caution. Cameroon, meanwhile, bring the weight of continental pedigree and the memory of knocking Morocco out the last time the hosts staged AFCON in 1988. This one feels less like a stylistic chess match and more like a referendum on philosophy, Morocco’s belief in control and patience against Cameroon’s long-standing reputation for rising in knockout moments when chaos suits them best.

Saturday’s slate carries its own layer of drama, starting with Algeria–Nigeria, a heavyweight tie shaped as much by leadership as by lineups. Nigeria’s march to the quarters has been flawless on the pitch but nearly derailed off it by unresolved bonus payments that threatened preparation. Captain Wilfred Ndidi’s intervention, pledging to personally cover payments if necessary, has steadied the camp and turned a potential crisis into a moment of unity. It now places even more spotlight on a squad that already boasts firepower in Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Akor Adams, and raises the stakes for Algeria’s young core, led by the electric Ibrahim “Mazadona” Maza, to prove they can match experience with composure.

Egypt–Ivory Coast closes the quarterfinals with a meeting of two giants trying to rediscover their most ruthless selves. Neither side has been flawless but both carry the muscle memory of tournament football where reputation alone can tilt moments. Across the bracket, that theme keeps returning. This stage is no longer about who looks best on paper but who survives the emotional swings of knockout football. From Mali’s belief to Nigeria’s internal resolve, from Morocco’s calculated patience to Cameroon’s historical swagger, the AFCON quarterfinals feel defined less by systems and more by psychology, a reminder that titles at this level are often won in the mind before they are lifted in the air.

Opta’s Supercomputer projections add another layer to the quarterfinal picture, reinforcing just how thin the margins are at this stage. Morocco and Senegal emerge as the tournament favorites based on simulations, with Nigeria and Algeria close behind as the next tier of contenders, while Egypt and Ivory Coast register as near equals in one of the most balanced ties of the round. The data paints Mali and Cameroon as outsiders in terms of lifting the trophy, but not without credible paths to an upset, especially in single match knockout football. In a bracket filled with powerhouses, the numbers underline what this tournament keeps proving on the pitch, that reputation sets the stage, but execution decides the outcome.

Arsenal’s goalless draw with Liverpool felt like a missed opportunity wrapped inside a reminder of just how thin margins can be at the top of the Premier League. Mikel Arteta’s side controlled large stretches of the first half and had the chance to stretch their lead to eight points, but Arne Slot’s champions reasserted themselves after the break and turned the match into a grind. The result keeps Arsenal in front, but it also leaves the title race with just enough oxygen to remain unsettled. When two of the league’s sharpest sides cancel each other out like this, the frustration lingers longer than the point gained.

That tension boiled over late in a moment that shifted the conversation from tactics to temperament. With Liverpool full back Conor Bradley down injured near the touchline, Gabriel Martinelli reacted as if time was being wasted, throwing the ball toward him and trying to usher him off the pitch. It quickly became clear Bradley was genuinely hurt, leaving the incident looking worse by the second. Arne Slot’s measured response afterward struck the right tone, acknowledging that Martinelli would not have acted that way had he known the severity of the injury. By night’s end, Martinelli had already issued a public apology, closing the loop on a moment that could have become far more combustible in a title race already charged with emotion.

In Saudi Arabia, Real Madrid and Atletico delivered the kind of derby that never needs extra fuel to burn hot. Real struck early through a thunderous Federico Valverde free kick, then doubled their lead when Rodrygo shrugged off his marker to finish a flowing move midway through the second half. Atletico responded almost immediately through Alexander Sorloth, turning the final half hour into a tense survival exercise for Xabi Alonso’s side. Real held on, booking their place in Sunday’s Supercopa final against Barcelona and giving Alonso the chance to chase his first trophy in charge.

Yet the football almost took a back seat to the theatre on the touchline, where Vinicius Junior and Diego Simeone became locked in a running subplot that felt straight out of a derby script. From words exchanged during the match to Simeone gesturing toward the crowd when Vinicius was substituted, the tension spilled toward both benches and eventually drew in staff and referees. Alonso’s decision to physically pull his player away underscored how quickly moments like that can escalate in rivalry matches. Now Real turn their attention to Barcelona, hoping Kylian Mbappé’s knee issue clears in time, while Atletico are left with another chapter in a rivalry that never seems content to stay quiet for long.

The United States Women’s National Team has unveiled its 26-player training camp roster for January ahead of friendlies against Paraguay on January 24 in Carson, California and Chile on January 27 in Santa Barbara. Head coach Emma Hayes has opted for a squad composed entirely of National Women’s Soccer League players given that the camp falls outside a FIFA international window and European-based stars are unavailable. Alongside steady contributors are a number of younger faces and emerging talents eager to make their case for bigger roles in 2026.

At the center of the spotlight is forward Trinity Rodman, who returns to camp for the first time since April following injury setbacks in 2025. Rodman, currently a free agent after her contract situation in the NWSL became a flashpoint in league debates over player movement and compensation, brings experience and firepower to an otherwise fresh-faced roster. At 23, she leads the group in both caps (47) and goals (11) and her presence provides both a reminder of elite quality and a narrative anchor for this training camp.

The roster also reflects Hayes’ commitment to expanding the player pool and evaluating depth ahead of a crucial year on the calendar, including the SheBelieves Cup and Concacaf W Championship. Several players earned their first senior team call-ups, and clubs like the Seattle Reign have strong representation with multiple players invited. The mix of youth and experience underscores a dual focus: giving rising talents competitive minutes while integrating more established names into the tactical and cultural rhythm Hayes is shaping.

While notable veterans based abroad are absent, and some established NWSL stars are not in this camp, the January roster serves as a valuable evaluation period. For many, these matches against Paraguay and Chile will be a first step toward bigger opportunities in 2026 and beyond, and Rodman’s return adds both intrigue and leadership to a group poised to push for roster spots in marquee competitions later this year.

The Liga MX Clausura 2026 season gets underway tonight with immediate stakes across the league. Defending champions Toluca open their title defense on the road against Monterrey, while another marquee opener sees Chivas host Pachuca in a match that sets the tone for a tournament always defined by urgency. With only one trophy on the line in the spring, there is no easing into the season. Every point carries weight from the opening whistle.

The dominant storyline follows Toluca as they chase a rare piece of modern Liga MX history. After winning both the Clausura and Apertura in 2025, Los Diablos Rojos are now aiming for a tricampeonato that would place them alongside Club America as the only team in the short tournament era to claim three consecutive titles. The pressure is immediate and relentless. In a league built on parity and playoff chaos, sustaining dominance is often harder than achieving it in the first place.

Elsewhere, change defines the Clausura as much as ambition. Chivas enter the new campaign in the middle of a sweeping rebuild, parting ways with more than a dozen players and ushering in a new era highlighted by the arrival of Brian Gutierrez from Chicago Fire. At the same time, Cruz Azul begin the season in unusual fashion, settling venue uncertainty just days before kickoff and preparing to play their home matches at Estadio Cuauhtémoc. Between historic pursuits, fresh starts, and logistical curveballs, the Clausura opens with the kind of unpredictability that has long made Liga MX must watch from day one.

West Brom, Minnesota United, and the Ramsay ripple effect
West Brom are set to appoint Minnesota United head coach Eric Ramsay, a move that sends shockwaves across the Atlantic just days before MLS preseason. Ramsay’s rapid rise from Manchester United assistant to one of MLS’s most respected young managers now takes him back to England, leaving Minnesota scrambling for continuity as they prepare for 2026.

Cam Knowles emerges as Minnesota’s internal solution
With Ramsay departing, Cam Knowles has become the frontrunner to take over in Minnesota, a promotion that would reward one of the most trusted figures inside the organization. Knowles brings continuity from within a successful coaching structure, along with deep MLS experience as both a former player and long-time developer of talent. How will Minnesota’s play style change in 2026? Hoping for more ambition with the ball, but we’ll see…

Sam Coffey and the growing NWSL free agency debate
USWNT midfielder Sam Coffey is reportedly drawing interest from Manchester City, a storyline that underscores the increasing tension around player movement and compensation rules in the NWSL. As more top Americans explore overseas options, the league faces mounting pressure to modernize its mechanisms and better reflect the global market.

Orlando City closes in on Nicolás Rodríguez loan
Orlando City is finalizing a loan move for winger Nicolás Rodríguez, adding attacking depth ahead of the new season. The deal gives the Lions a creative option out wide while limiting long-term risk as the roster continues to evolve under a balanced recruitment strategy.

Denver Summit FC lands cornerstone signing in Jasmine Aikey
Expansion side Denver Summit FC announced the signing of Stanford standout Jasmine Aikey, immediately giving the club a centerpiece for its inaugural NWSL season. Aikey’s blend of creativity, production, and championship pedigree makes her one of the most impactful college-to-pro arrivals heading into 2026.

Boston Legacy FC adds international experience with Jorelyn Carabalí
Boston Legacy FC bolstered its back line with the signing of Colombian international Jorelyn Carabalí from Brighton, bringing World Cup and Olympic experience into a first-year project. Her arrival gives the expansion side instant leadership and tactical versatility across the defensive line.

Bay FC secures rising star Alex Pfeiffer
Bay FC completed a major long-term move by signing forward Alex Pfeiffer to a three-year deal, betting on one of the most exciting young attackers in the league. Still just 18, Pfeiffer already owns NWSL history as its youngest goal scorer and now gets a fresh start in a system built around development.

Houston Dash bring Leah Klenke home
The Houston Dash signed Notre Dame defender Leah Klenke, giving the hometown product a professional landing spot after a decorated college career. Her leadership, versatility, and championship mindset fit neatly into a Dash side looking to build on late-season momentum.

Jacob Shaffelburg sidelined, Canada adjusts
LAFC winger Jacob Shaffelburg will miss Canada’s January camp after undergoing surgery for a degenerative condition, a setback that delays his integration after arriving from Nashville. Toronto’s Malik Henry steps into the roster as Canada prepares for a non-FIFA window match against Guatemala.

Colorado Rapids strengthen midfield with Hamzat Ojediran
The Rapids added Nigerian international Hamzat Ojediran from RC Lens, injecting physicality and European experience into the heart of midfield. At just 22, Ojediran fits Colorado’s long-term vision while immediately addressing the need for defensive bite and transition control.

Alejandro Bedoya extends his Philadelphia chapter
Philadelphia Union captain Alejandro Bedoya agreed to a one-year extension through 2026, continuing a role that now blends leadership on the field with influence in player development and the front office. His return keeps a stabilizing presence at the club as a new generation of Union players continues to emerge.

SDH AM is back this morning at 9:05 with Jon Nelson and a packed lineup of voices from across the game. New Lexington SC signing Phillip Goodrum joins the show to talk about the next chapter in his career, while Valdosta High School head coach Cody Case checks in ahead of the start of the Georgia high school season. Add in former Atlanta United captain Michael Parkhurst for perspective at the highest level, and it is a morning that runs the full spectrum of the game, from grassroots to the global stage.

Braden Dunham’s call-up yesterday to the United States U-19 Men’s National Team domestic training camp reflects a remarkable rise in 2025 that began with his development in the Atlanta United academy and carried through standout performances for Atlanta United 2 in MLS Next Pro. The Peachtree City, Ga. native capped a breakout freshman season at Furman University by helping the Paladins reach the NCAA College Cup semifinals, earning All-Freshman honors while anchoring the defense and even contributing big moments in attack.

Now nationally recognized among the top prospects in his age group, Dunham’s inclusion in the U-19 camp underscores both his versatility and how quickly he’s become one of the more compelling young defenders emerging from the U.S. system.

Antoine Semenyo completes big move to Manchester City
Manchester City have finalized the signing of Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth in a deal worth £62.5 million plus bonuses, tying the Ghana international to a contract through 2031. The structure gives City financial flexibility while rewarding Bournemouth above the player’s release clause, and Semenyo arrives in form after posting 10 goals and three assists across all competitions this season.

AC Milan stumble as Genoa steal a point at San Siro
Milan missed a chance to close the gap on Inter after being held to a dramatic 1–1 draw by Genoa, with late chaos defining the night. Rafael Leão’s stoppage-time header rescued a point before Genoa missed a penalty at the death, leaving the Rossoneri three points back in the title race and feeling they let a major opportunity slip.

Teenager Yael Trepy rescues Cagliari in wild comeback
Nineteen-year-old Yael Trepy produced a moment of magic off the bench, scoring a stunning late equalizer as Cagliari rallied from two goals down to draw 2–2 at Cremonese. The result keeps Cagliari six points clear of the drop zone, while Cremonese remain stuck just above danger.

PSG edge Marseille in Super Cup classic
Paris Saint-Germain claimed their fourth straight French Super Cup after a dramatic penalty shootout win over Marseille following a 2–2 draw in Kuwait. Goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier was the hero, making key saves in the shootout after PSG had forced extra time with a last-gasp equalizer, extending the club’s dominance in the competition despite a spirited Marseille performance.

Xavi linked to Manchester United vacancy
Xavi Hernández remains without a job since leaving Barcelona, but his name has emerged among those admired by Manchester United as they begin a new managerial search. While no talks are underway, the former Barça boss has made it clear he is eager for a Premier League opportunity, leaving the door open for a potential return to the touchline.

From AFCON drama to big nights in England and Spain, a new USWNT chapter getting started, and the Clausura kicking off in Mexico, there was no shortage of storylines to carry us into the weekend. It’s one of those moments where you look up and realize just how many corners of the game are moving at once.

Enjoy the weekend and soak it all in. We’ll be back on Monday with plenty of coverage as Atlanta United opens training camp on the field and the road to a new season officially begins.

Jason