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Major League Soccer opens its 31st season this weekend with 15 matches, but this is more than another kickoff. A World Cup on North American soil, a looming calendar shift to summer-to-spring in 2027, record franchise valuations, and sustained global attention since Lionel Messi’s arrival have all converged into one campaign. Commissioner Don Garber has called it a seminal moment. The league is no longer introducing itself. It is being measured.

Saturday night could set an opening-weekend attendance record when Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF face Son Heung-min and Los Angeles FC at the Los Angeles Coliseum. The matchup blends spectacle with substance. Messi trained this week after managing a muscle issue, and if he’s available, the visual will be unmistakable: MLS occupying a historic venue with global eyes watching.

Across the league, ambition is evident. James Rodríguez has secured his work visa and could factor into Minnesota’s plans as the season begins, adding another global name to the league’s expanding talent pool. In Seattle, Brian Schmetzer confirmed Andrew Thomas will start in goal, describing his situation with Stefan Frei as having “two No. 1s.” In New York, Michael Bradley begins his tenure with new attacking pace on the wings. In New England, Carles Gil has endorsed Marko Mitrović’s clarity and structure. These are not cosmetic changes. They reflect competitive urgency.

And that urgency is exactly what Rodrigo De Paul leaned into this week when he argued that winning MLS can be more difficult than winning the UEFA Champions League. His reasoning was not about prestige; it was about format and margin. The regular season demands consistency across months of travel, climate swings, and tactical variety. Then the playoffs compress everything into elimination matches where one mistake ends the year.

De Paul’s central point was blunt: in MLS, you have to be perfect all the time. There is no second leg to recover from a poor night. There is no easing into form late in the campaign. You must accumulate, adjust, and execute and then survive knockout soccer. Whether or not one agrees with the comparison, the comment speaks to something real: the league’s competitive structure is unforgiving.

That is the tension of Season 31. Growth has happened. Infrastructure has improved. Talent acquisition is deeper. But expectation has risen alongside it. MLS is not asking to be noticed anymore. It is asking to be respected. And respect, as always, is earned over 34 matches, a playoff gauntlet, and now, under the brightest global spotlight the sport has ever seen on this continent.

Atlanta United’s preseason work now meets real competition. After Thursday’s training session, Tata Martino made clear that what the team has been building is no longer theoretical. The physical base is in place. The tactical framework is visible. What’s left is proving it in matches that count, starting Saturday afternoon in Cincinnati.

The defining theme is balance. Tata wants structure without the ball and freedom with it. He has been pleased with the defensive organization he’s seen, particularly with Tomás Jacob reinforcing midfield stability, while still allowing attacking players to interchange and move without fixed reference points. That balance is what makes the press viable. Regain possession high, attack quickly, and rely on defensive shape behind the ball to prevent vulnerability when possession turns.

Latte Lath offered perhaps the clearest window into the attacking mindset. He described pressing as something that creates scoring opportunities, not just defensive pressure. That mentality fits the system: win the ball close to goal, finish chances before opponents can reset. Tata has praised Latte’s physical form and finishing ability, and the striker himself spoke about entering the season focused but not burdened by last year’s frustrations.

Beyond tactics, Tata framed this season as a ten-month commitment. Competing, in his words, means starting in February and sustaining performance through December. The opener in Cincinnati will not define 2026, but it will offer the first indication of whether Atlanta’s structure, intensity, and collective mindset are ready for the demands of a full campaign.

Join us for our 10th season of Atlanta United coverage on 92.9 The Game radio on Saturday. Abe Gordon and Madison Crews will get the day started with the Five Stripes Countdown at 3:30pm before tossing it to Mike Conti and I in Cincinnati for kickoff after 4:45pm. You can sync us up with the broadcast on either Apple TV or FOX using the Audacy app.

When Arsenal walked off the field after a 3–0 win over Sunderland on Feb. 7, their Premier League lead stood at nine points and the title conversation felt close to settled. Eleven bruising days later, that cushion has thinned dramatically. With Manchester City holding a game in hand, the gap could shrink to two points before Arsenal even kick off Sunday’s North London Derby against Tottenham Hotspur.

The psychological swing began at Anfield. City’s late 2–1 victory over Liverpool, sealed by a stoppage-time penalty from Erling Haaland, did more than trim the table. It shifted belief. Arsenal’s advantage was always partially provisional, but perception matters in title races. A comfortable City win over Fulham and Arsenal’s own dropped points — first at Brentford, then in a 2–2 collapse at Wolves — turned what looked like procession into pursuit.

For Mikel Arteta, the message has been restraint. Frustration after the Wolves draw was evident, but he insisted the response must come on the pitch. Opta’s model now places Arsenal’s title probability at 79%, down sharply from 98% a week ago. The margins are tightening, and history offers uncomfortable echoes. Arsenal supporters remember 2007–08, when a late-season wobble cost them a commanding position. This squad has the chance to prove it is different.

Sunday’s derby carries layered stakes. Arsenal are chasing a first league title in 22 years. Tottenham, under Igor Tudor, are navigating turbulence of their own. The rivalry will be fierce regardless, but for Arsenal the task is clarity: restore momentum, steady the narrative, and keep control before a looming April trip to the Etihad that may ultimately decide everything. In a season defined by expectation, this is the first real stress test.

The National Women’s Soccer League announced a landmark multi-year sponsorship with CVS Pharmacy, naming the retailer an Official Health and Wellness Partner of the league. The agreement reflects both commercial growth and cultural positioning for the NWSL, which continues to align itself with brands focused on long-term community investment rather than short-term visibility.

Central to the partnership is CVS becoming the entitlement partner of NWSL Youth Clinics, a new initiative designed to keep girls engaged in the sport through a holistic wellness lens. The clinics will combine on-field training with broader health education for athletes and families, reinforcing participation and long-term involvement. CVS will also support the NWSL Combine and Youth Combine, showcasing top U13–U17 prospects and elite college players as part of the league’s player development pathway.

Beyond events, the sponsorship includes virtual in-match signage and a collaborative social content series aimed at delivering practical health guidance to fans and families. CVS will further extend its footprint through club-level sponsorships with Washington Spirit, Seattle Reign FC, and Kansas City Current. For the NWSL, it is another indicator that the women’s professional game is attracting partners willing to invest in infrastructure, access, and community impact — not just matchday exposure.

Concacaf Champions Cup: Galaxy Leave Panama Level
LA Galaxy earned a 1–1 draw away to Sporting San Miguelito, with Joseph Paintsil scoring in the 68th minute off a João Klauss assist to secure a valuable away goal. The result gives the Galaxy a slight edge heading into the second leg, with Justin Haak, Jakob Glesnes and Klauss all making their club debuts. For a retooled squad, it was an early competitive test that blended new pieces with immediate stakes.

Toronto FC Land Josh Sargent in Major Deal
Toronto FC have agreed to sign U.S. international forward Josh Sargent from Norwich City in a deal reportedly worth between $22–27 million, one of the largest fees in MLS history. Sargent arrives after a public breakdown in his relationship with Norwich, but with strong recent production, including 15 goals last season in the Championship. The 25-year-old becomes the focal point of Toronto’s rebuilt project and will look to reignite his USMNT ambitions ahead of the World Cup.

Columbus Crew Add André Gomes
Columbus Crew signed Portuguese midfielder André Gomes through mid-2027, adding a player with experience at FC Barcelona, Valencia CF and Everton FC. A Euro 2016 winner with Portugal, Gomes brings pedigree and composure to Columbus’ midfield structure. Pending his ITC and visa, the move represents another example of MLS clubs attracting established European-level talent in their prime years.

Toronto Acquire Daniel Salloi from SKC
Toronto continued its aggressive roster reshaping by acquiring Hungarian winger Daniel Salloi from Sporting Kansas City. Kansas City receive $300,000 in GAM plus up to $700,000 in add-ons, along with a future sell-on percentage. Salloi, a longtime SKC captain with 54 career MLS goals, adds experience and proven wing production to Toronto’s evolving attacking core.

Orlando City Secure Eduard Atuesta Long-Term
Orlando City SC extended Colombian midfielder Eduard Atuesta through 2028 with an option for 2029–30. After registering seven assists in his first season in Orlando, Atuesta has become central to the club’s tactical identity, offering control and leadership in midfield. Locking him in signals Orlando’s commitment to continuity as they push for sustained competitiveness.

San Diego FC Linked With Henry Martín Move
San Diego FC are reportedly preparing a significant offer for Henry Martín, with Mexican outlet Olé indicating a multi-million-dollar salary proposal that could position him as a Designated Player. The 33-year-old striker and longtime Club América captain would bring proven Liga MX pedigree and veteran leadership to an expansion project seeking attacking reliability. While no deal is finalized, the report underscores MLS clubs’ continued willingness to target established Mexican stars.

FC Dallas Part Ways With Paxton Pomykal
FC Dallas exercised a guaranteed contract buyout on homegrown midfielder Paxton Pomykal, ending a nine-year first-team tenure. Once one of the club’s brightest academy success stories and a 2019 MLS All-Star, Pomykal’s recent seasons were derailed by repeated injuries, limiting him to just five appearances across 2024 and 2025. Dallas used one of its two annual buyouts to clear a senior roster spot, closing a chapter for one of the club’s most symbolic homegrown players.

ESPN Launches “Women’s Sports Sundays”
ESPN will debut “Women’s Sports Sundays,” a nine-week summer primetime slate featuring WNBA and National Women’s Soccer League matchups. The 12-game package fills the programming gap left by the end of “Sunday Night Baseball” and signals continued investment in women’s sports as a national broadcast priority. For the NWSL, the exposure provides consistent prime-time visibility during a pivotal growth window.

Jozy Altidore Joins OKC for Soccer Ownership Group
Former U.S. international Jozy Altidore has joined NBA star Russell Westbrook in the OKC for Soccer ownership group, which has secured rights to a future USL Championship club. The group plans to relaunch professional soccer in Oklahoma City in conjunction with a new downtown stadium targeted for 2028. Altidore’s involvement adds high-level playing credibility to a project centered on long-term infrastructure and community-rooted development.

Familiar voices from Apple TV’s yearlong MLS coverage join us for rapid fire previews of their opening weekend matches and broader thoughts on the 2026 season, including perspectives on Atlanta United FC. It is a chance to hear how national analysts are framing storylines across the league as Season 31 begins.

We go live at 9:05am on the SDH YouTube and Twitch channels. If you miss it live, the full conversation will be available on demand in the podcast feed later in the day.

Manchester United Reach First UWCL Quarterfinal
Manchester United Women advanced to the UEFA Women’s Champions League quarterfinals for the first time with a 2–0 win over Atlético Madrid Femenino, sealing a 5–0 aggregate victory. Goals from Julia Zigiotti Olme and Jess Park capped another controlled performance at Leigh Sports Village. United will now face Bayern Munich Women in the last eight.

Wolfsburg Advance, Set Up Lyon Clash
Two-time champion VfL Wolfsburg Women defeated Juventus Women 2–0 in Turin to progress 4–2 on aggregate, reaching their 13th quarterfinal in 14 seasons. Vivien Endemann struck on the counter before Cora Zicai sealed the result in stoppage time. Wolfsburg now meet record eight-time European champion Olympique Lyonnais Féminin in a heavyweight quarterfinal.

Lanús Strike First in Recopa
Club Atlético Lanús defeated CR Flamengo 1–0 in the first leg of the CONMEBOL Recopa, taking a narrow advantage into next week’s return match at the Maracanã. Lanús capitalized on a decisive moment to separate the sides, while Flamengo struggled to find attacking rhythm. After the match, Giorgian de Arrascaeta admitted the Brazilian side must “change a lot of things” if they are to overturn the deficit and claim the continental title.

SuperClásico Draws Record Telemundo Audience
Saturday’s SuperClásico between Chivas Guadalajara and Club América averaged 1.97 million viewers across Telemundo platforms, the most-watched edition since Telemundo reacquired rights in 2020. The match also became the most-streamed Clásico in network history. Chivas’ lineup featured several Mexican-American players, underscoring the cross-border appeal that continues to drive Liga MX’s U.S. audience strength.

Premier League Secures Major South America Rights Boost
The Premier League has agreed a new deal with ESPN covering South America and the Caribbean through 2031, reportedly increasing the contract’s value by 25%. The extension, said to be worth around £450 million for the additional years, highlights the league’s continued international growth even as domestic UK rights plateau. Overseas rights now outpace domestic revenue, reinforcing the Premier League’s global commercial model ahead of a looming U.S. rights negotiation after the 2026 World Cup.

UEFA Backs Expanded Club World Cup
UEFA will support FIFA’s plan to expand the Club World Cup to 48 teams in 2029, provided the tournament is not staged every two years. The move would increase European participation from 12 to 16 clubs and reflects improved relations between the two governing bodies after past tensions. With prize money already substantial, expansion signals FIFA’s continued push to elevate the competition’s global stature.

Crystal Palace Weigh Oliver Glasner’s Future
Crystal Palace are reportedly evaluating head coach Oliver Glasner’s position amid a poor run of form. Palace have won just one of their last 15 matches in all competitions, and supporters voiced frustration during a recent European draw. Glasner has taken responsibility publicly, acknowledging difficulty integrating new players and managing expectations as uncertainty surrounds his future.

Ancelotti Eyes Long-Term Brazil Project
Carlo Ancelotti has expressed his desire to extend his tenure with Brazil national football team for another four years. After taking the role in 2025, Ancelotti described international management as a refreshing challenge and signaled ambitions beyond the 2026 World Cup. The commitment suggests Brazil are aiming for continuity through the 2028 Copa América and the 2030 World Cup cycle.

Eduardo Domínguez to Take Over at Atlético Mineiro
Eduardo Domínguez is set to leave Estudiantes de La Plata after three successful seasons to become the new head coach of Atlético Mineiro, replacing Jorge Sampaoli. The 47-year-old will lead his final match against Sarmiento before activating his contract clause and moving to Brazil, marking his first major managerial role outside Argentina in recent years. Domínguez departs having captured multiple domestic titles with Estudiantes, and the club is already exploring replacements to steady the project amid a busy season.

Sheffield Wednesday Bidder Faces Legal Scrutiny
The preferred bidder for Sheffield Wednesday, professional gambler James Bord, is facing a lawsuit in Nevada from his co-owner at Spanish side Córdoba CF. The suit alleges Bord misrepresented the club’s financial position and improperly controlled access to a substantial bitcoin account, claims his representatives dispute. The case increases pressure on the English Football League as it conducts its Owners and Directors Test amid broader concerns about gambling-linked ownership models.

AFA President Claudio Tapia Barred From Leaving Argentina
Claudio Tapia, president of the Argentine Football Association, has been barred from leaving the country and summoned to testify over alleged unpaid social security contributions totaling 19 billion pesos. Judge Diego Amarante imposed the travel restriction citing the seriousness of the case, with several other AFA officials also ordered to appear. If the restriction remains in place, Tapia could miss Argentina’s upcoming Finalissima against Spain.

Konyaspor Officials Arrested Amid Investigation
Konyaspor confirmed that five individuals linked to the club, including a current board member, have been arrested as part of an investigation under Turkey’s Law No. 6222 governing sports-related offenses. While specific allegations have not been detailed, the law covers issues such as match-fixing and illegal betting, areas that have recently shaken Turkish football. The club stated it is closely monitoring proceedings as it battles near the relegation zone in the Süper Lig.

Season 31 begins with ambition everywhere you look.

MLS opens at a moment of growth and expectation, Atlanta United step into Cincinnati ready to test their identity, and Europe’s title race tightens under the pressure of perception and history. Across the women’s game, the Champions League knockout rounds take shape while commercial investment continues to deepen in the NWSL.

Elsewhere, global football reminds us that the sport’s influence extends far beyond the touchline. Broadcast deals expand, ownership groups evolve, legal scrutiny intensifies, and international calendars continue to shift under the weight of commercial and competitive realities.

The through line is accountability. Clubs proving projects. Leagues proving value. Managers proving belief. Players proving consistency.

The games begin now. Everything else is noise until someone wins.

Talk to y’all from Cincinnati on Saturday on 92.9 The Game…

Jason