Top games to watch this weekend
Friday
Georgia vs Spain (UEFA Euro Qualifying)
Turkey vs Armenia (UEFA Euro Qualifying)
Croatia vs Latvia (UEFA Euro Qualifying)
Slovakia vs Portugal (UEFA Euro Qualifying)
Uruguay vs Chile (CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying)
Brazil vs Bolivia (CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying)
Jamaica vs Honduras (CONCACAF Nations League)
Saudi Arabia vs Costa Rica (Friendly)
Saturday
Azerbaijan vs Belgium (UEFA Euro Qualifying)
Ukraine vs England (UEFA Euro Qualifying)
Estonia vs Sweden (UEFA Euro Qualifying)
North Macedonia vs Italy (UEFA Euro Qualifying)
DC United vs SJ Earthquakes (MLS)
Inter Miami vs Sporting KC (MLS)
Minnesota United vs New England (MLS)
Portland Timbers vs Los Angeles FC (MLS)
Germany vs Japan (Friendly)
USA vs Uzbekistan (Friendly)
Mexico vs Australia (Friendly)
Sunday
Finland vs Denmark (UEFA Euro Qualifying)
Ireland vs Netherlands (UEFA Euro Qualifying)
Albania vs Poland (UEFA Euro Qualifying)
Lithuania vs Serbia (UEFA Euro Qualifying)
Guatemala vs Panama (CONCACAF Nations League)
El Salvador vs Trinidad & Tobago (CONCACAF Nations League)
LA Galaxy vs St. Louis City (MLS)
Almagro vs Boca Juniors (Copa Argentina)
América vs Tigres UANL (Club Friendly)
Most-watched soccer games in the USA: August 28-September 03, 2023
The numbers for most-watched soccer games in the USA for August 28 through September 3 are in, and to no one's surprise, Sunday's Premier League showdown between Arsenal and Manchester United took the top spot by quite a mile.
The Gunners hosted their bitter rivals at the Emirates Stadium and won 3-1 thanks to goals from Declan Rice and Gabriel Jesus deep in stoppage time, with this tie earning NBC just under 1.1 million average viewers with their coverage.
That was not the only Premier League tie to make the podium as NBC's coverage of Brighton's 3-1 victory over Newcastle came third with an average viewership of 638,000. Irish teenage sensation Evan Ferguson scored a hat trick in that tie, helping the Seagulls enter the international break in sixth.
Sandwiching those two English top-flight fixtures is the Liga MX showdown between Cruz Azul and Club America, which ended in a 3-2 win for the Eagles. This fixture garnered 839,000 average viewers for Univision as La Máquina fell further down the standings.
What are this weekend's must-watch games?
Brazil vs Bolivia live this Friday at 8:45 p.m. ET on UNIVERSO, UNIVERSO NOW, ViX, and Telemundo Deportes En Vivo
Brazil, the most successful team in FIFA World Cup history, kick off their qualifying campaign for the 2026 tournament in Canada, Mexico, and the USA live this Friday. The Selecao welcome Bolivia in what will be Fernando Diniz's debut game as the nation's interim boss. Another interesting point will be the return of Neymar to the national team, with the former Santos prodigy having left PSG for Saudi Pro League giants Al Hilal over the summer. Do not miss this exciting World Cup qualifier.
Ukraine vs England live this Saturday at 12 p.m. ET on Fox Sports 2, FOX Sports App, Foxsports.com, fuboTV, and ViX
England continue their path to Euro 2024 as the continental giants look to make it five wins out of five in the qualifying round when they lock horns with Ukraine on Saturday. Southgate's men triumphed over their rivals when they met previously back in late March, with Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka scoring lovely goals en route to a 2-0 triumph. Since then, the Three Lions have beaten Malta and North Macedonia by an aggregate of 11-0. Tune in to ViX, fuboTV, and Fox Sports for live coverage of this qualifier.
Ireland vs Netherlands live this Sunday at 2:45 p.m. ET on fuboTV and ViX
The Netherlands look to make it back-to-back wins when they lock horns with Ireland just days after beating Greece 3-0. The Boys in Green, on the other hand, have just lost 2-0 to France and will be keen on returning to winning ways in the Euro 2024 qualifiers. Unfortunately, the hosts will be without teenage sensation Evan Ferguson who is out injured. Tune in to fuboTV and ViX live this Sunday to find out the answer.
Here's all you need to know ahead of another week of women's soccer.
Liga F
The 36th edition of top-flight soccer in Spain will get underway this week, with Sevilla and UDG Tenerife kicking off matchday one on Friday, September 8th. Meanwhile, Saturday, September 9th will feature some interesting games, including Real Madrid, who finished in second spot last term, welcoming Real Betis. On Sunday, reigning champions Barcelona will start their title defense with a home game against Valencia, while Levante, who finished in a very impressive third spot last season, will travel to Real Sociedad's base.
NWSL UKG Challenge Cup
The semifinals of the NWSL UKG Challenge Cup began this week, with four NWSL teams remaining. On Wednesday, September 6th, the double-header commenced with Kansas City losing 1-0 to North Carolina Courage. The Courage are the reigning champions and are hoping to become the first team to win two titles in this newly created competition. Following this game, Wednesday's double-header continued with another semifinal starring OL Reign and Racing Louisville, with the latter winning 1-0, and now it is on to the UKG Challenge Cup final, which will be played on Saturday, September 9th.
For listings and where you can follow the remainder of the 2023 NWSL UKG Challenge Cup, check out our dedicated broadcast page here.
NCAA
The 2023 NCAA Division I soccer season is already underway, as numerous teams compete to become one of the 64 who will get to feature in the annual tournament that will determine who becomes the national champions of NCAA Division I women's soccer.
Fans in the USA have several options to follow the game, with ESPN+, ESPN App, and FuboTV all providing ways to live-stream games. For a detailed schedule of games, including where and how you can watch them, check out our special NCAA Division I women's soccer page here.
Damallsvenskan, Toppserien, and Elitedivisionen
In Scandinavia, the top leagues in women's soccer are all still in process, with ongoing title races in Sweden's Damallsvenskan, Denmark's Elitedivisionen, and Norway's Toppserien.
Here's where you can catch key games in Sweden, Denmark, and Norway.
When will the other major European leagues resume?
Liga F is the first of the major leagues in women's soccer to get underway, but fans will not have to wait that much longer to see others resuming action.
The Frauen-Bundesliga, Division 1 Féminine, and Serie A Femminile will all kick off between Friday, September 15, and Sunday, September 17, while it's still another few weeks until England's WSL resumes.
You can find all the info regarding the upcoming seasons for these leagues by checking out this link.
Top news in women's soccer
Spain name former player Montse Tomé as coach of national team
Big changes are in store for Spain, who have now appointed former player Montserrat "Montse" Tomé as their new manager. La Roja, who won their first ever World Cup to make Spain the second-ever nation to win both men's and women's World Cups, have seen their impressive achievements overshadowed due to off-the-pitch issues, namely involving football executive Luis Rubiales, and before the competition, coach Jorge Vilda.
Vilda was dismissed on September 5th as the country seeks to move forward following the Rubiales incident, and for the first time in national history, the team will have a female coach. Tomé, who played as a midfielder prior to her retirement in 2012, was one of 12 national team employees to quit following the ensuing controversy that followed when Rubiales kissed player Jennifer Hermoso on the lips during the post-match celebrations.
Tomé had served as an assistant coach to Vilda during Spain's victorious World Cup tournament and now will take charge of the team as they prepare their UEFA Nations League tournament later this month. Spain will be facing heavyweights Sweden, as well as Italy and Switzerland in their quartet.
Manchester United receive huge boost by signing World Cup Golden Boot winner Hinata Miyazawa
Although Japan were dumped out earlier than they had hoped from the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, one of their players still left with a coveted prize.
Hinata Miyazawa, who netted five times during the competition, became the first Asian player to win the Golden Boot prize, and now, the 23-year-old is set to make a huge leap from her native Japan to the Women's Super League.
Manchester United, who were narrowly pipped to the league title by Chelsea last season, are aiming to get their hands on the coveted prize, and clearly believe that the Japanese attacker could give them the added boost to remain competitive on multiple fronts this season.
The Red Devils will kick off their 2023/24 Women's Super League campaign with an away game against Aston Villa on October 1st before welcoming Arsenal on October 8th for their first home match of the season.
Didn't find your favorite women's league on this list? No worries, as this is just a highlight of some of the exciting games coming up this week. Make sure to check out our special women's soccer page here at LiveSoccerTV.com for full broadcast info, match updates, news, and more.
Biggest stories of the week
IT'S OVER: Cristiano Ronaldo puts an end to rivalry with Messi
The end of an era in world soccer is approaching, as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are set to put an end to their careers in the next three or four years. But today, those who keep comparing the accomplishments of these football legends have been asked by Cristiano himself to put an end to those discussions.
Speaking in a press conference while on international duty with Portugal, the all-time top scorer for A Selecao admitted that, while the rivalry was great, it is time for football fans to focus on other things.
"It was a good rivalry. It was claimed that Cristiano hates Messi and vice versa but that wasn't true. We have changed the history of football," Ronaldo stated.
Then, CR7 admitted that even if there has never been a good relationship between them, he respects the Argentine and everything he has accomplished.
"The legacy continues and we shared the stage for 15 years so the respect is there. I'm not saying that we are friends, I never chatted with him, but I respect him," Ronaldo added.
When asked about how fans should feel about one another, the Portuguese player urged supporters to enjoy the time they have left as global icons, putting aside any hatred there might be from any of the factions.
"Those who like Cristiano do not have to hate Messi. Both of us are still really good, we have changed football history. We are respected all over the world, and that's what matters the most," Cristiano Ronaldo concluded.
The Portuguese superstar will be playing against Slovakia and Luxembourg while on international duty with his national team. Keep track of his games and where to follow them by having a look at Portugal's schedule here.
Sancho offered escape route following public exchange with Ten Hag
The public row between Erik Ten Hag and Jadon Sancho is being seen by most as the new spat for the coach, who had a similar public disagreement with Cristiano Ronaldo last season.
Given Ten Hag's coaching style, some believe that the only way for Sancho to walk away from this is to leave the club, and surprisingly, a team has already stated their will to have the player around.
It is safe to say that, with the transfer window shut, any negotiation must be put on hold until December, but the team in question is ready to wait until then to lure him away from Old Trafford, as long as Sancho is allowed to keep training with the Red Devils.
The team in question is none other than Bayern München, who have been huge fans of Sancho since his days with Borussia Dortmund. The Bavarians even tried to hire him before he joined Manchester United, but Dortmund's decision to part ways with the player was not favorable to the Bundesliga giants. Now, with the player in need of a move and with the club pushing to add talent, negotiations could be taking place shortly.
In fact, a source consulted by The Mirror states that Bayern would be willing to offer around $50M for the player's services if the Red Devils decided to part ways with him.
Apparently, and according to the Mirror's sources, Sancho is already aware of Bayern's interest, and if things between the attacking midfielder and coach Ten Hag are not sorted out, then the winger could be seen pushing for a transfer away from the English side in the upcoming window.
USMNT ace Christian Pulisic earns Player of the Month award with Milan
Life in Serie A for Christian Pulisic could not have started better, as the American footballer has already been praised for his performances with Milan.
With just three games played, Pulisic has seemingly found what could be his best form for his club in recent history, and fans did not hesitate to acknowledge his contribution by electing him as Milan's Player of the Month.
The Pennsylvania native has started all games for the Rossoneri, scoring two goals and playing the entire 90 minutes in one of those matches, which ended in a 4-1 win against Bologna. Milan's last game with Pulisic on the pitch ended 2-1 vs. Roma, this being the only one where Captain America did not score a goal.
The attacker will now be involved in the USMNT's friendly games against Oman and Uzbekistan, where he is expected to have a stellar role with the Stars and Stripes.
NO SALE: Glazers make U-turn in decision to sell Manchester United
Manchester United fans who were delighted about the possibility of seeing their current owners selling their favorite club will surely not like the following lines, as the Glazer family has reportedly decided not to accept any offers for the team, taking it off the market with immediate effect.
The family in control of the Red Devils has never stepped up to admit in public that they were keen on selling the club, but they did not hesitate to accept offers from a number of suitors, which in the end were narrowed to two potential owners: Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim Al Thani.
This decision is not permanent, as representatives for the family have hinted that the Glazers are set to open a new bidding process in 2025. The reason: they hope a revamped TV rights agreement and the possibility to play in other competitions, such as the FIFA Club World Cup, can increase interest and the team's value as a bonus.
With this development, sources close to the family and fans believe that the Glazers want to cash in on a potential sale on a long-term basis, especially after the club made its way back to the UEFA Champions League, which carries a huge dividend in terms of exposure and TV rights.
It is yet to be seen how Manchester United's valuation in the stock market will react to this development, but if things go as their fans believe they will, the problems seen on the pitch will not be the only ones this ownership will have to handle.
Colorado Rapids sack coach Fraser after poor start to 2023 season
What a difference a few years have made for Robin Fraser.
The 56-year-old tactician was first appointed by the Colorado Rapids back in 2019, and two years later, led the team to their best-ever regular season points total as they topped the Western Conference. In addition, he successfully guided the side to consecutive playoff appearances in 2020 and 2021, but now, two years later, he will have to find a new job after being sacked by the Rapids.
With just one win from their last 14 ties, the Rapids are dead last in the Western Conference. More worryingly is the fact that they have struggled to find goals, with just 13 scored so far in 26 appearances, and in fact, they have failed to score in nine of their last ten MLS games.
The sole time they did score was during a 2-1 win over FC Dallas on July 8th, which is nearly two months ago.
As such, it is no shock that the Rapids decided to call time on Fraser's tenure on the tactician's bench, although some certainly might feel that given his good work with them in the past, perhaps he should have been given a bit more time to turn things around.
Colorado will be hoping to rebound later this month, which sees them welcome New England Revolution on September 16th.
Man United release statement on Antony after being dropped from Brazil national team over domestic abuse allegations
Manchester United have released an official statement on Antony after the Brazilian ace was dropped from the national team following domestic violence accusations from his former girlfriend.
The former Ajax winger is facing accusations from Gabriela Cavallin, a social media influencer and the player's ex-partner, and is currently under investigation. The Brazilian was allegedly violent with his ex and left her with physical damage including a cut to her head, her hand, and damage to her chest after being punched by the 23-year-old.
Cavallin filed a report of physical and verbal abuse in Sao Paulo in June 2022 and filed a complaint to Greater Manchester Police, with some of the incidents allegedly occurring in the player's current city of residence.
However, this story only began making the headlines recently after being published by UOL. While the player took to social media to proclaim his innocence, the Selecao dropped him from the national team for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Bolivia and Peru.
Manchester United, who remain under intense scrutiny and criticism following their handling of the Mason Greenwood case, have now taken to social media to release a statement. However, the Red Devils are once again under fire as they refused to clarify whether he will be up for selection or not while this investigation is ongoing.
"Manchester United acknowledges the allegations made against Antony and notes that the Police are conducting inquiries," the statement read.
"Pending further information, the club will be making no further comments.
"As a club, we are taking this matter seriously, with consideration of the impact of these allegations and subsequent reporting will have on survivors of abuse."
Antony responded to the allegations via Instagram, admitting that his relationship with Gabriela Cavallin was "tumultuous", but denied committing physical harm to his former girlfriend.
Cavallin was pregnant during the time of this alleged abuse and has shared pictures of her injuries and screenshots of threatening WhatsApp messages which she claims were from Antony.
Manchester United's refusal to clarify whether the Brazilian will be available for selection probably means he will continue to play until there is more information from the ongoing investigation. The winger started the Red Devils' recent game, a 3-1 loss at Arsenal, and could feature in the upcoming clash with Brighton straight after the international break.
Former Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal claims 2022 FIFA World Cup was rigged for Messi's Argentina
Louis van Gaal never shies away from saying what is on his mind, and in a recent interview with NOS, the Dutch tactician made some controversial remarks about the 2022 FIFA World Cup and Argentina's success in Qatar.
The 72-year-old icon was the manager of Oranje during that tournament and went head-to-head with Lionel Messi's team in a now infamous quarterfinal showdown. The European giants went 2-0 down by the 73rd minute before pulling off a miraculous comeback and equalizing in the 11th minute of stoppage time in an ill-tempered encounter.
The Dutch eventually lost on penalties but some Argentine players were fortunate not to get sent off, including Lionel Messi — but some could argue the same about Van Gaal's men. The fact that Messi and Co. were awarded a penalty in normal time and that none of Scaloni's men were sent off has led Louis down a path of conspiracies.
The former Netherlands manager thus told NOS that he believes the tournament was rigged for the South American giants to win it. While controversial, this is an opinion held by several fans, as the Argentines were awarded many penalties, some of which were dubious.
However, never has a well-known public figure in the beautiful game been this public with this belief. Here's what the 72-year-old told NOS:
"I don't really want to say much about it.
"When you see how Argentina gets the goals and how we get the goals, and how some Argentina players overstepped the mark and were not punished, then I think it's all a preconceived game."
Van Gaal then doubled down on his allegations when asked to elaborate, adding: "I mean everything I say.
"That Messi should become world champion? I think so, yes."
While everyone in the Netherlands camp was disappointed to crash out of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in that manner, not everyone shares Van Gaal's sentiment. Virgil van Dijk, the captain of the Dutch national team, was asked for his thoughts on this matter and swiftly distanced himself from his former manager's opinion.
The international break is upon us, which means the Netherlands will return to action. The European heavyweights faced Greece on Thursday live on ViX and fuboTV in an interesting 2024 Euro qualifier and will lock horns with Ireland this weekend.
Messi, Haaland, and Bonmati lead Ballon d'Or nominees
Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland are among the leading contenders to win this year's men's Ballon d'Or, while Spain World Cup star Aitana Bonmati leads the nominees announced on Wednesday for the women's prize.
Messi, who recently left Paris Saint-Germain for Inter Miami, is in with a chance of succeeding Karim Benzema and winning the Ballon d'Or for the eighth time in his remarkable career after leading Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar last year.
Haaland may be his main rival for the prize after scoring 52 goals in 53 games to help Manchester City win the treble of Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup last season.
The Norway striker last week won the UEFA Player of the Year award for last season.
PSG's Kylian Mbappe and Haaland's City teammate Kevin De Bruyne also feature among the 30 nominees for the prize, the winner of which will be announced at a ceremony in Paris on October 30.
Benzema, who ended a 14-year spell at Real Madrid in June when he moved to Saudi club Al-Ittihad, is also nominated.
Bonmati, the winner of the UEFA women's player award, appears the favorite to claim the Ballon d'Or after being the outstanding player as Spain lifted the World Cup in Sydney last month.
She also starred as Barcelona won the Champions League and will hope to succeed her club and international colleague Alexia Putellas, winner in the last two years.
Putellas is not nominated this time having hardly played for Barcelona last season after suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate knee ligament in July 2022 which kept her out for nine months.
Bonmati is one of four members of Spain's World Cup-winning team nominated, along with Olga Carmona, Salma Paralluelo, and Alba Redondo.
Their compatriots Patricia Guijarro and Mapi Leon are also named.
Both of Barcelona, they did not go to the World Cup after being among a group of 15 players who said last year they no longer wanted to play for Spain in a protest against the Spanish federation and coach Jorge Vilda.
Others included in the 30 nominees are Chelsea and Australia striker Sam Kerr and England goalkeeper Mary Earps.
Other key headlines from the world of soccer
Havertz 'relaxed' over 'bumpy' Arsenal start
Arsenal forward Kai Havertz said on Thursday he was staying calm despite his "bumpy" start in north London following his big-money move from Chelsea.
Speaking on international duty at a press conference in Wolfsburg ahead of Germany's friendly with Japan on Saturday, Havertz told the media he was "clearly busy" trying to integrate with his new side.
"I think so far in my career I had phases here and there where things were a little bumpy -- and of course, I know that you (media) after four matchdays will just point out the negatives, and a lot of bad stuff will be written," he said.
"It's not the first time I've come to a new club and so I know that it can take a bit longer and so I am relaxed about it."
With no goals or assists in his first four Premier League games for Arsenal, Havertz has come under fire, prompting manager Mikel Arteta to defend him.
After withdrawing Havertz 56 minutes into Arsenal's 2-2 draw with Fulham in late August, Arteta said the forward had "already done really good things" but admitted the final touch was missing.
Spain's Hermoso files complaint over Rubiales' kiss
Spain player Jenni Hermoso has filed a criminal complaint over suspended football chief Luis Rubiales's kiss on her lips at the Women's World Cup final, a source at Spain's public prosecutors office said Wednesday.
The complaint, which was filed on Tuesday, is key for a preliminary investigation, which prosecutors at Spain's top criminal court have opened for the alleged crime of "sexual assault", to move forward.
The prosecutor's office of the National Court will formally present its complaint against Rubiales "as soon as possible", the source said.
Spanish football federation (RFEF) president Rubiales sparked a worldwide backlash after forcibly kissing Hermoso during the medal ceremony following Spain's triumph in Sydney on August 20.
Hermoso, 33, later said the unwanted kiss had left her feeling "vulnerable and like the victim of an assault", with a statement on social media describing it as "an impulsive, macho act, out of place and with no type of consent on my part".
Rubiales insists the kiss was consensual.
The National Court said last week it was opening the preliminary probe in light of the "unequivocal nature" of Hermoso's statements, stating it was necessary "to determine their legal significance".
World soccer's governing body FIFA provisionally suspended Rubiales for 90 days after he refused to resign from his post.
