Felipe Cardenas

Story updated with Marcel Ruiz out of the World Cup with a torn ACL

As Mexico’s World Cup injury woes worsen, door could re-open for GK Ochoa Manager Javier Aguirre has an injury problem on his hands, leaving Mexico in peril – and a 40-year-old legend on the cusp of history

Mexico manager Javier Aguirre has an injury problem on his hands, leaving the World Cup co-hosts in peril – and 40-year-old legend Memo Ochoa on the cusp of history

www.nytimes.com/athletic/711...

Brazil reveals 2026 World Cup away kit with Jordan Brand collaboration Brazil is aligning with the Jordan Brand for one of its World Cup jersey offerings this summer

Brazil reveals 2026 World Cup away kit with Jordan Brand collaboration www.nytimes.com/athletic/711...

Trump says Iran would risk ‘life and safety’ by participating in World Cup In a statement on Thursday morning, Trump appeared to U-turn on what he told FIFA president Gianni Infantino less than 48 hours ago.

Latest on Iran at WC: Trump on Truth Social - Iran would risk ‘life and safety’ by participating & it wouldn't be 'appropriate'

Embarrassing for FIFA's Infantino - 48hrs ago on Insta he said that Trump told him country would be welcome

Story @adamcrafton.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/711...

One of Tata Martino's responses re: the health of the ATLUTD program got a bit lost in translation. When a reporter asked about his long-term plan, Martino pushed back.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/710...

Alejandro Zendejas made Subaru Park a milestone in his race for the U.S. World Cup team The attacking midfielder was one of the box office attractions in the Union-Club América game, his first contest on U.S. soil since scoring a big goal for his country last fall.

Last night, Alejandro Zendejas played a game on U.S. soil for the first time since he scored for the #USMNT vs. Japan.

With two weeks until the last U.S. camp before the World Cup, he says "I’ll be working hard to make that roster":

www.inquirer.com/soccer/aleja... via @phillysport.bsky.social

I hear you.

I appreciate that, Conor.

One of Tata Martino's responses re: the health of the ATLUTD program got a bit lost in translation. When a reporter asked about his long-term plan, Martino pushed back.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/710...

Atlanta, Tata Martino preach process over quick fix for winless, success-starved club With no points in three games, the struggles continue for Atlanta United. So how long will it be before the club contends in MLS again?

Big read on Atlanta United and its humbling '26 start

Interviews with Miguel Almirón, Tata Martino and Chris Henderson

- Why Martino isn't willing to "sacrifice" his players
- Almirón's description of the team's culture
- Henderson's "frustrating" transfer window
www.nytimes.com/athletic/710...

The Iran women footballers faced with an impossible choice: Defect or return to a war zone (Gift Article) Players from the Iranian women's team defied suspected undercover security officers to escape their hotel and claim asylum in Australia

Over the past 48 hours, Iran's footballers faced a near impossible decision. Return to Iran and risk their own safety; or stay in Australia and leave their families.

Spoke to over two-dozen sources about how the six defectors' escape unfolded and the conditions they endured. Free to read:

The Iran women footballers faced with an impossible choice: Defect or return to a war zone (Gift Article) Players from the Iranian women's team defied suspected undercover security officers to escape their hotel and claim asylum in Australia

“They are hostages... players with no choice of what to say, what to think, who to talk to or what to wear.”

The repression faced by the team included families being threatened, IRGC officials as chaperones, tapped phones and forced financial guarantees.

Body scans, ref cams and football AI: Inside the World Cup’s new technology A series of technological innovations are being introduced or enhanced for the 2026 tournament

NEW: Body scans, ref cams and football AI: Inside the World Cup’s new technology

www.nytimes.com/athletic/708...

Leagues Cup’s 2026 edition includes four Mexico games in structural shift Mexican clubs gained some concessions in the scheduling of the 2026 interleague tournament

Of the 54 first round Leagues Cup games this summer, just four will be played in Mexico.

Is that enough to shift the growing tide against the tournament?

www.nytimes.com/athletic/708...

2026 MLS Anonymous Executive Survey, Part 2: World Cup impact, league’s future In the second half of our annual survey, MLS club decision-makers address the league's outlook after what could be a formative summer

GM survey Part II

🔋 Would superteams help MLS?
🇺🇸 Who is the next breakout USMNTer?
⚽ Breakout MLSer at World Cup?
⭐ Would you sign Cristiano this summer?

“I think I'd be nuts if I said I wouldn't want to sign Cristiano.”

With @felipecardenas.bsky.social:

www.nytimes.com/athletic/706...

Unrest in 2026 World Cup host city Guadalajara after Mexico kills drug lord ‘El Mencho’ The governor’s office told The Athletic it had not received any communications from FIFA “that should concern us".

There was unrest in Guadalajara, a 2026 World Cup host city, on Sunday after an operation meant to capture drug lord Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes resulted in his death.

Full story from @felipecardenas.bsky.social ⬇️

2026 MLS Anonymous Executive Survey, Part 1: Key figures on league’s bests, worsts For a fifth year running, we've asked top club officials for their candid thoughts on topics and themes around MLS. Here's what they said

Part 1 of The Athletic's annual anonymous MLS exec survey is now live. With
@paultenorio.bsky.social

nytimes.com/athletic/705...

I do love the candor.

“Espinoza is a good fit for Nashville. And obviously with the opportunity there after San Jose f***ed it up.”

Hockey golazo for the gold

From nods to Tina Turner and the Grateful Dead, some new MLS jerseys swing big As always, the fresh jersey designs for the new MLS season are destined to polarize opinions. Here are ours

Are MLS jerseys getting better? Or are they stuck in a constant rut of overused ideas?

These are my top 5 / worst 5 MLS jerseys for 2026

www.nytimes.com/athletic/705...

Opinion | Pam Bondi and the MAGA Brand of Insult Politics Insult everyone. Answer for nothing.

In @nytopinion.nytimes.com

“Trump, his aides and many of his supporters haven’t purged contempt from our politics. They’ve mainstreamed it. Purified it. Industrialized it. It’s their push-a-button pushback against everyone who challenges them,” argues Frank Bruni.

James Rodríguez interview: The ‘gasoline that fuels him’ and the truth about playing in the cold James Rodríguez has heard it all, but for Minnesota United's unlikeliest signing, his sense of duty to Colombia has never waned.

"You’re representing your ancestors, your roots, where you come from, where you were born. You have to give your life for your country. That’s that ‘extra something’ you have to give when you’re with the national team."

@felipecardenas.bsky.social 1-on-1 with James.

www.nytimes.com/athletic/702...

James Rodríguez interview: The ‘gasoline that fuels him’ and the truth about playing in the cold James Rodríguez has heard it all, but for Minnesota United's unlikeliest signing, his sense of duty to Colombia has never waned.

James Rodríguez Exclusive 🎙️

In a candid interview, the Colombian star talks about the mistakes he's made and said this to his detractors:

"They are the gasoline that fuels me. What they don’t realize is that they’re actually doing me a favor.”

www.nytimes.com/athletic/702...

James Rodríguez to Minnesota and the makings of an MLS shocker After years of links and courtship, James Rodríguez to MLS is not that surprising. But to Minnesota?

How James Rodriguez ended up with Minnesota United, of all teams.

➕ James Rodriguez set to be sitting courtside at the Minnesota Timberwolves game tonight against the New Orleans Pelicans.

With @felipecardenas.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/702...

James Rodríguez, Minnesota United finalizing deal to bring Colombian star to MLS: Sources The Colombian superstar appears headed to an unexpected landing spot as he aims to return to form before the World Cup

James Rodriguez is finalising a deal to sign with Minnesota United.

Talks between the MLS side and the player first emerged on Tuesday.

Rodriguez is set to join the club on a non-designated-player deal.

More from @tombogert.bsky.social & @felipecardenas.bsky.social

Truth Social slander in 3…2…1

Assumption of the Virgin, by Guido Reno, 1598-99, 📸 by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey

James Rodríguez, Colombia’s hero with World Cup expectations and no club James Rodríguez is still front and center for a World Cup contender – regardless of the fact that he remains an unsigned free agent

Cristiano Ronaldo, Zidane, Guillermo Ochoa and others have played World Cup tournaments without a club.

James Rodríguez may do so for Colombia this summer, but his importance to the national team has never been more pronounced.

New for @theathleticfc.bsky.social

www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...

The Guardian expands its sports desk with key hires before 2026 World Cup in North America The new permanent roles are part of the Guardian’s larger investment in the US, which has come to include more than 20 additional journalists in the past year

I am absolutely over the moon to welcome @mlsist.bsky.social, @jeffrueter.bsky.social, and @ellabrockway.bsky.social to the Guardian.

www.theguardian.com/guardian-us-...

Messi, Inter Miami in Copa Libertadores? Even for the ambitious MLS club, it’s a dream too big A team headlined by Lionel Messi playing in South America's top club competition would be a big draw, but it's highly unlikely to happen

Jorge Mas and Inter Miami's desire to play the Copa Libertadores is a bridge too far.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...

The ‘other’ Luis Suárez is poised to teach the world his name Colombia's in-form striker is seeking to forge his own identity and claim a World Cup spot

His name is Luis Suárez but he's not Uruguayan.

One of Europe's most in-form strikers (and potential World Cup breakout star) is out to make a name for himself.

www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...