Samwise North American Soccer Newsletter
Thursday, May 28, 2026
Pochettino Names 26-Man U.S. World Cup Roster; Reyna Selected Despite Limited Club Time
Coach Mauricio Pochettino named the United States’ 26-man World Cup roster on Tuesday, with Gio Reyna earning a call despite starting just once for Borussia Mönchengladbach since December. The squad includes eight MLS players, with all three goalkeepers — Chris Brady (Chicago Fire), Matt Freese (NYCFC), and Matt Turner (New England Revolution) — playing domestically. Alejandro Zendejas of Club América received a surprise inclusion while Diego Luna and Tanner Tessmann missed out. The team convenes at the Arthur M. Blank National Training Center in Atlanta before a May 31 friendly against Senegal in Charlotte. The U.S. opens Group D play against Paraguay on June 12 at SoFi Stadium.
Sources: U.S. Soccer
Alphonso Davies to Miss Canada’s World Cup Opener with Hamstring Injury
Canada head coach Jesse Marsch confirmed Alphonso Davies will not be available for the team’s June 12 World Cup opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto, but expects the Bayern Munich left back to feature later in the group stage. Davies sustained a Grade 2 hamstring strain — his fifth injury of the 2025–26 season — while coming on as a substitute in Bayern’s Champions League semifinal against Paris Saint-Germain. Bayern’s medical team is overseeing his initial recovery through May 28, after which Davies will join Canada’s camp and resume rehabilitation from May 31. Toronto FC’s Richie Laryea is expected to start at left back for the Group B opener.
Sources: World Soccer Talk
Portland Timbers Part Ways with Phil Neville Ahead of World Cup Break
The Portland Timbers mutually parted ways with head coach Phil Neville on Tuesday as the club entered the World Cup break after a 3–1 home loss to the San Jose Earthquakes. Neville, who previously managed Inter Miami from 2021 to 2023, compiled a 27W–31L–24D regular-season record over two-plus seasons in Portland. The Timbers reached the MLS Cup Playoffs in both of Neville’s full seasons but exited in Round One each time. This season Portland sit 13th in the Western Conference with 14 points through 14 matches amid a three-game winless run. The club has begun its head coach search and returns to action July 16 at Seattle.
Sources: MLSSoccer.com
NWSL Week 9: Swanson Scores on Return, Kansas City Current Set Home Win Record
NWSL Week 9 produced several records. Mallory Swanson scored her first goal since returning from maternity leave — and her first in the NWSL since July 2024 — as the Chicago Stars defeated Bay FC for their third win of the season. The Kansas City Current set an all-time NWSL record with nine consecutive home victories, defeating the Portland Thorns 3–1 at CPKC Stadium. It was Portland’s 100th competitive loss across all competitions. Utah Royals stretched their unbeaten run to nine straight, while Seattle Reign ended a 510-minute scoreless run with Sofia Huerta’s penalty at Boston. Washington Spirit sat out regular league action, competing in the CONCACAF W Champions Cup.
Sources: Equalizer Soccer
Columbus Crew and Colorado Rapids to Host 2026 U.S. Open Cup Semifinals
The four semifinalists in the 2026 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup are confirmed, with both ties scheduled for Wednesday, September 16, as a doubleheader on CBS Sports Network and Paramount+. The 2002 champion Columbus Crew will host 2022 winner Orlando City SC in the first match, while the Colorado Rapids — runners-up in 1999 — host St. Louis CITY SC in the second. Neither Colorado nor St. Louis has previously won the title, though St. Louis as a city has claimed 10 Open Cup championships across various clubs since the 1920s. The winner of the Columbus–Orlando tie hosts the Final on October 21.
Sources: U.S. Soccer
Canada Soccer Extends Jesse Marsch’s Contract Through 2030 World Cup
Canada Soccer announced a four-year contract extension for head coach Jesse Marsch through the 2030 FIFA World Cup, locking in the 52-year-old Wisconsin native ahead of Canada’s home tournament this summer. Since taking charge in May 2024, Marsch has compiled a 12W–12D–5L record while steering the team to a program-record FIFA ranking of 26th. Canada placed fourth at the 2024 Copa América under Marsch. The extension is majority-funded by philanthropists from five Canadian families, including Vancouver Whitecaps ownership and the Carmie and Joey Saputo Foundation. Canada opens their 2026 World Cup campaign on June 12 against Bosnia and Herzegovina at BMO Field in Toronto.
Sources: ESPN
Pochettino Defends Reyna’s World Cup Selection, Points to November Performances
Mauricio Pochettino has defended including Gio Reyna in the United States’ World Cup squad, calling the Borussia Mönchengladbach attacker an “amazing talent” despite the midfielder failing to start a club game since December. Pochettino pointed to Reyna’s November international window — a goal in a 2–1 win over Paraguay and an assist in a 5–1 rout of Uruguay — as justification for the selection. The call came at the expense of Real Salt Lake’s Diego Luna, who had featured prominently in USMNT marketing, and Tanner Tessmann, regarded by analysts as a midfield anchor. Club América’s Alejandro Zendejas also received a surprise inclusion. The squad assembles in Atlanta this week.
Sources: Soccer America
MLS Standings
Eastern Conference — after Matchday 15
1. Nashville SC — 30 pts
2. Inter Miami CF — 28 pts
Western Conference — after Matchday 15
1. Vancouver Whitecaps — 29 pts
2. San Jose Earthquakes — 29 pts
MLS on World Cup break · resumes July 16
NWSL Standings
Top of Table — after Week 9
1. Utah Royals — 23 pts
2. Portland Thorns — 23 pts
3. Kansas City Current — (9-match home win record)
4. Washington Spirit — (CONCACAF W Champions Cup)
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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