Emma Hayes

Across two October friendlies against Spain, Emma Hayes' US women's national team lost 2-0 in Washington before rescuing a 2-2 draw in Pennsylvania on the strength of five second-half changes. The series laid bare a persistent lack of midfield synergy: Hayes has used 17 different midfield combinations in 27 matches since the start of 2025, while injuries to Sam Coffey and Olivia Moultrie have further unsettled a unit the US must solve to compete with heavyweights at the Brazil World Cup.

United States 2-2 Spain: Swanson late strike caps stirring second-half fightback in Philadelphia

Mallory Swanson came off the bench to score an 86th-minute equaliser as the United States fought back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Spain in the teams’ second friendly in Philadelphia, three days after losing to the same opponents in Washington D.C.

Manchester City to face struggling Arsenal in Sky Sports WSL headline clash this weekend

Manchester City host under-fire Arsenal in Sunday’s 4.30pm WSL top-of-the-table live on Sky Sports as part of a six-game weekend broadcast. The preview looks at City’s unbeaten run under Andree Jeglertz, pressure mounting on Renee Slegers, plus Manchester United v Liverpool, Tottenham v London City Lionesses, West Ham v Chelsea and more.

Man City backed to keep perfect WSL start as Arsenal's struggles continue

Opta's supercomputer hands Manchester City a 49.4% chance of beating Arsenal and extending their 100% start to the 2026-27 Women's Super League, while Manchester United are heavy favourites at home to Liverpool and Chelsea are tipped to sweep aside West Ham.

The Guardian argues US youth soccer is hamstrung by a costly pay-to-play travel model, fragmented governance and underinvestment in development, with the men’s World Cup exit and poor youth results underscoring the crisis.

America’s youth soccer system is expensive, fragmented and heavily dependent on travel clubs that can cost families thousands of dollars. Reform efforts are emerging, but lasting change will require better coordination, wider access and a sustained shift in investment toward development.

North Carolina Courage star Ashley Sanchez has broken the record for most NWSL goals in a single season by an American player with 19 goals, overcoming past disappointments to put herself in contention for a USWNT recall.

Chelsea Women become first WSL club to launch fertility and maternity policies

Chelsea Women have become the first club in the Women's Super League to introduce dedicated fertility and player maternity policies, partnering with Fertility Plus to give players choice and support around starting a family during and after their careers.