Top games to watch this week
Friday, July 8
Mazatlán vs Tigres UANL (Liga MX)
Puebla vs Santos Laguna (Liga MX)
Spain vs Finland (UEFA Women's Euro)
Germany vs Denmark (UEFA Women's Euro)
Trinidad & Tobago vs Costa Rica (CONCACAF W Championship)
Panama vs Canada (CONCACAF W Championship)
Los Angeles Galaxy vs Los Angeles FC (MLS)
Saturday, July 9
Portugal vs Switzerland (UEFA Women's Euro)
Netherlands vs Sweden (UEFA Women's Euro)
Cruz Azul vs Pachuca (Liga MX)
Monterrey vs América (Liga MX)
New York City vs New England (MLS)
Seattle Sounders vs Portland Timbers (MLS)
Sunday, July 10
Belgium vs Iceland (UEFA Women's Euro)
France vs Italy (UEFA Women's Euro)
Toluca vs Atlas (Liga MX)
Monday, July 11
Austria vs N. Ireland (UEFA Women's Euro)
England vs Norway (UEFA Women's Euro)
Panama vs Trinidad & Tobago (CONCACAF W Championship)
Canada vs Costa Rica (CONCACAF W Championship)
USA vs Mexico (CONCACAF W Championship)
Jamaica vs Haiti (CONCACAF W Championship)
Tuesday, July 12
Denmark vs Finland (UEFA Women's Euro)
Germany vs Spain (UEFA Women's Euro)
Qarabag vs Lech Poznan (UEFA Champions League)
Sheriff vs Zrinjski (UEFA Champions League)
KÍ vs Bodo Glimt (UEFA Champions League)
Vikingur Reykjavík vs Malmö FF (UEFA Champions League)
Wednesday, July 13
Sweden vs Switzerland (UEFA Women's Euro)
Netherlands vs Portugal (UEFA Women's Euro)
América vs Toluca (Liga MX)
CFR Cluj vs Pyunik (UEFA Champions League)
Ferencvaros vs Tobol (UEFA Champions League)
Thursday, July 14
Italy vs Iceland (UEFA Women's Euro)
France vs Belgium (UEFA Women's Euro)
CONCACAF W Championship - Semi-final 1
CONCACAF W Championship - Semi-final 2
Most-watched football games in the U.S. - June 27-July 3, 2022
One of the favorite leagues for U.S. football fans to watch made its official return this week, and boy did it return on a high note. The Mexican top-flight took TV sets by storm and saw seven of their nine fixtures for Matchday 1 ranking among the most-watched events of the weekend.
Along with the Mexican club competition, the game between the USWNT and Colombia also gathered quite a following, although Megan Rapinoe and Co. were not able to best the ratings set by Liga MX sides and the one put together by the winning game of the past seven days.
The CONCACAF U-20 Championship came to a close this past Sunday, and it was one of this tournament's games that earned the top spot in this ranking. The fiasco featuring the Mexican U-20 team, who were eliminated by heavy underdogs Guatemala, was the most-watched game of the past week, as nearly half a million fans were left shocked by Los Chapines' penalty-shootout win over Mexico.
Let's have a closer look at those games that caught the most attention in the past seven days.
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What are this week's must-watch games?
LAFC vs LA Galaxy live this Friday at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, WatchESPN, fuboTV, Sling, ESPNLA 710 AM, and SiriusXM FC
El Trafico is finally here! LAFC and LA Galaxy, the two giants of the Los Angeles area, will lock horns on Friday in a crucial Western Conference showdown. Not only are bragging rights up for grabs, but the precious three points are at stake as well as the hosts aim to maintain – or even strengthen – their grip on the top spot as second-placed Austin are only two points behind. As for the Galaxy, they are fourth with a nine point disadvantage over their bitter rivals. However, they can take confidence from their showdown in the US Open Cup back in May, with Chicharito and Co. triumphing 3-1. Don't miss this clash.
Monterrey vs Club America live this Saturday at 10:05 p.m. ET on Fox Sports, Fox Sports GO, Fox Deportes, fuboTV, and Sling
Matchday 2 in Liga MX is upon us, with Monterrey and Club America locking horns over the weekend in this round of Apertura. The hosts did not enjoy the opening round of the latest season, with Rayados losing to Santos Laguna in an exciting seven-goal thriller. Rogelio Gabriel Funes Mori scored a brace for Monterrey in that clash but the Mexican forward's brace was not enough as his side went on to lose 4-3. As for America, they kicked off their campaign against defending champions Atlas, with the league's most successful team picking up a point courtesy of a nil-nil draw. Make sure to catch the action live this Saturday!
USWNT vs Mexico live this Sunday at 10 p.m. ET live on Paramount+, VIX, Facebook Live, and YouTube
Two bitter continental rivals will locks horns this Sunday in the CONCACAF W Championship as USWNT prepare to face Mexico in their final group stage match. As expected, the Stars and Stripes have been dominant, winning their two previous encounters, scoring eight while conceding none. This includes a 5-0 win over Jamaica and a 3-0 triumph over Haiti. As a result, Alex Morgan and Co. have already secured progression to the semifinals and have qualified for next year's FIFA Women's World Cup. Unfortunately, Mexico find themselves bottom of the table with zero points, needing a miraculous victory over USA and a defeat from Haiti or Jamaica – preferably the latter – just to make the inter-confederations playoffs. Tune in to Paramount+ and VIX, as well as Facebook Live and YouTube, to catch this clash.
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Women's football fans around the globe are set to enjoy an interesting weekend, mainly because of all the things that will be in play for some of the national teams that are involved in regional competitions as we speak.
The first topic of concern for those who follow women's football is the 2022 UEFA Women's European Championship, which will carry on with interesting games in England. The hosts have already made their debut, but other interesting teams will also be involved in the tournament with high hopes, such as 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup runners-up Netherlands.
A competition that will surely attract the interest of American fans is the CONCACAF W Championship, which will see all teams involved entering the defining moments of the group stage. One of those decisive occasions will be the match between hosts Mexico and the USWNT, which is set to take place during the weekend. Meanwhile, Canada will try to continue dominating Group B while en route to a semifinal tie that will have an available spot up for grabs to play in the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Elsewhere, the 2022 NWSL season returns to action with the impeccable pace of the San Diego Wave, who continue to shine despite the absence of their top scorer. The race for the top spot has heated up in the past couple of weeks, and it will be interesting to see the wave trying to defend their first place this week.
Without further ado, let's have a look at what the beautiful game will offer in terms of women's football matches.
2022 Women's Euro
The top national team tournament in Europe has started with the English side breaking records and quickly establishing themselves as a force to be reckoned with. Upcoming fixtures will include performances by Spain, Netherlands, and France, who will be making their debut in this edition and will eventually try to be acknowledged as candidates to take the title home.
2022 CONCACAF W Championship
The CONCACAF qualifiers carry on with an interesting battle for the 2023 FIFA World Cup spots. As of now, the USWNT and Canada have lived up to the expectations of the crowd, but the Mexican side have failed to impress at home, jeopardizing their spot in the World Cup after their first game. To top it all, the never-ending rivalry between El Tri and the Stars and Stripes will take center-stage during the weekend.
2022 Copa América Femenina
The ninth edition of the Copa América Femenina kicks off this Friday, with nine countries trying to put an end to Brazil's dominance, who have won all but one edition of this tournament in the past. This time around, teams such as Colombia and Argentina will give Brazil a run for their money, but with a multi-talented squad at their disposal, the Verdeamarelha side seem ready to add one more title to their cabinets come July 30.
2022 NWSL season
The North American competition carries on with the San Diego Wave still holding on to the No. 1 spot of the tournament after last week's win versus the Washington Spirit. The Californian side still owns a two-point lead over the Chicago Red Stars, who managed to beat NY/NJ Gotham to keep up with the pace set by the leaders. The same can't be said about the Portland Thorns, who dropped two points in their last game and are now third and with a big match coming up for them this week.
This week, the standout games will take place on Saturday, when the Wave visits Angel City FC in what should be an entertaining match. Meanwhile, the Red Stars will lock horns against the last-placed North Carolina Courage, and as the final match of the day, the Portland Thorns will make a trip to face the OL Reign in what could be one of the best games of the week.
For more details on games, standings, and news, visit our dedicated women's soccer page at LiveSoccerTV.com.
Biggest stories of the week
Big blow for UEFA Women's EURO title contender as star player ruled out of tournament
In 2021, Alexia Putellas made history, as she became the first female player to win the UEFA Women's Player of the Year Award, the Ballon d'Or Féminin, and The Best FIFA Women's Player all in one year.
That is in addition to the wide range of team titles she has won during her time at Barcelona, which includes five league titles, six Copas de la Reina, and one UEFA Women's Champions League title.
However, Putellas, who was expected to be a standout player at this summer's UEFA EURO Women's competition, unfortunately will not be able to take part. According to reports, the 28-year-old has sustained an ACL injury and is set for six months on the sidelines after undergoing surgery.
This comes as a huge blow for the Spanish women's squad, as she was not only set to captain the squad as the nation's most capped player, but was anticipated to play a vital role as La Roja seek to try to get their hands on the EURO title in their fourth tournament appearance.
Safe to say, Spain have a tricky task ahead, especially without Putellas in their ranks. They first take on Finland, but things will get much tougher as they will later have to face Germany, who are the most decorated side in this competition before concluding their group stage campaign against Denmark, who finished as runners-up at the last edition of this tournament.
AC Milan secure massive deal ahead of 2022/23 season
As they prepare to defend their Scudetto title for the first time in over a decade, AC Milan are doing their best to make sure things are in order for the team - both on and off the pitch.
The Rossoneri are set to secure the signing of Divock Origi, with the Belgian international arriving on a free transfer after Liverpool opted not to renew his contract. They have also offered veteran striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic a short term contract to keep him at the club for the next six months despite the 40-year-old being expected to miss the early part of the upcoming term after undergoing another knee surgery.
Meanwhile, off the pitch, Milan are also looking to set things in motion. Recently, the Rossoneri, who are now under new ownership, successfully extended their deal with main kit sponsor Puma. The Italian club and the German conglomerate have been in partnership since 2018, and as per Reuters, the deal is worth about $31.5 million (€30 million).
Interestingly, while the exact length of the deal has not been revealed, the same report notes that the cost of the yearly renewal has increased. This is because Puma have now secured naming rights for Milan's youth academy, as well as for the women's team. The new name, starting from the upcoming term, will be "Puma House of Football".
Off to the Premier League? Inter Milan rule out possibility of signing former Juventus star
Former Inter Milan playmaker Paulo Dybala could be set for a new experience in the English Premier League after it became apparent that he will not be joining Inter Milan this season. The revelation was made by Nerazzuri CEO Beppe Marotta who insisted that his side are not considering the recruitment of the 28-year-old Argentine after securing all their attacking targets.
The recently ended season saw Dybala draw the curtains on a seven-year stint at Allianz Stadium following the expiration of his contract. Having initially been close to extending his stay at the club, the arrival of Dusan Vlahovic from Fiorentina in January altered Juve's transfer policy, subsequently barring them from offering their former no.10 a new deal.
With 293 appearances, 115 goals, 45 assists and 12 major trophies to his name, there was general acceptance in Italy that Dybala will stay in Serie A by joining rival club Inter Milan. However, prior to the opening of this summer's transfer window, it emerged that the Nerazzurri had to choose between signing the Argentine international or bringing back Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea in order not to exceed the cap on their wages.
Having opted for the recruitment of Lukaku, Inter Milan's director Beppe Marotta has ruled out the purported arrival of the former Juventus star. In a meeting with the media ahead of the commencement of the club's pre-season which kicks off on Wednesday, he said: "Dybala is part of the many players available for free. I had never seen so many and it proves that football is changing and that more courage is needed at a youth level.
"Dybala represented and still represents an opportunity, but we are ok in attack with valuable players who the coach will need to manage in the best way even if I have a solid bond with Dybala."
According to reports in Italy, Serie A pair Napoli and Monza are exploring the possibility of signing Dybala in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, a host of Premier League clubs have also reached out to the player's representatives in a bid to secure his service. Manchester United are apparently the frontrunners in the race, with Chelsea, Newcastle United and Arsenal also said to be in the mix.
New PSG boss delivers verdict on Neymar's future as exit rumors intensify
New Paris Saint-Germain boss Christopher Galtier has hinted at the possibility of having Neymar Jr at the club for the foreseeable future. The 55-year-old French coach has expressed his desire to work with the Brazilian superstar amid reports that the club is aiming to cut ties with him.
A new era kicked off at PSG on Tuesday after Galtier was unveiled as the new manager of the club after the departure of Mauricio Pochettino was confirmed. The former joined the Ligue 1 champions on a two-year contract having guided Nice to a runners-up finish in the French Cup and fifth place in Ligue 1 and leading Lille to the league title in 2020/21.
During his first encounter with the media, he was asked a host of questions about his ambitions and his approach to the role. Among the questions was his expectations for Neymar Jr whose future has been in doubt in recent weeks. The 30-year-old forward has been tipped with a move away from the French capital and Premier League giants Chelsea have been listed among his likely destinations.
Speaking to French outlet RMC Sport about the world's most-expensive signing, the new PSG boss said: "Which coach would not like to have a player like him in his team? I have a very precise idea of what I will expect from Neymar. I will meet him, listen, but I want him to stay with us."
In retrospect, the words of Galtier's appear to contradict the sentiments of the PSG hierarchy. Back in June, the club's president Nasser Al-Khelaifi cast doubt over Neymar's future by failing to confirm that the player will be involved in the upcoming project in a series of interviews.
Chelsea reach agreement for EPL star and are now preparing to hijack Man Utd's De Jong transfer
Chelsea's summer transfer business is now picking up pace, with the London giants being on the brink of completing their first major deal under their new Boehly and Co. ownership.
According to the latest reports, the Blues have all but completed a deal for Raheem Sterling, with the 27-year-old attacker agreeing personal terms with the FIFA Club World Cup holders. The Athletic report that the English international had a conversation with Thomas Tuchel and was impressed by the Stamford Bridge coach's vision, which played a huge role in this decision.
As a result, the Manchester City ace has accepted Chelsea's offer, meaning the Premier League giants will simply need to agree a fee with the champions of England. This is seen as a mere formality, with the Blues expected to meet the Cityzens' £45M ($54M) asking price.
And to make things more interesting, Chelsea will reportedly rival a fellow Premier League heavyweight for the signature of one of world football's most talented midfielders. That player is none other than Frenkie de Jong, the Dutch ace who has been heavily pursued by Manchester United.
This piece of information, initially broken by Relevo, was corroborated by the well-known Gerard Romero, who states that the London giants are starting to make a strong push for the former Ajax maestro. Given that the Blues have already attempted several hijacks this summer already; namely Gabriel Jesus, Richarlison, and Raphinha; this will come as little surprise.
One thing working in Chelsea's favor is Barcelona's interest in Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta. The Catalan giants have been involved in discussions with the Blues over the aforementioned Spanish defenders, which could give the 2020/21 UEFA Champions League winners an advantage over the Red Devils. Additionally, the Camp Nou ace would get UEFA Champions football in the English capital but not at Old Trafford.
Barcelona president opens up about meeting with Cristiano's agent amid links to Man Utd star
Given the whole Cristiano Ronaldo fiasco currently taking place at Manchester United, an interesting and eye-catching report emerged linking the Real Madrid legend with a move to Los Blancos' bitter rivals, Barcelona.
Spanish publication AS made this claim, stating that Blaugrana president Joan Laporta met with Cristiano's agent Jorge Mendes for dinner to discuss the possibility of bringing the five-time Ballon d'Or winner to the iconic Camp Nou, once the home ground of his arch-nemesis Lionel Messi.
Ronaldo's reason for wanting to leave Old Trafford is simple: the Red Devils don't have UEFA Champions League football next season and are unlikely to challenge for any major silverware in 2022/23. The Catalan giants have qualified for Europe's premier club competition and while Xavi's side finished 13 points behind La Liga champions Real Madrid last season, there is a consensus that Barcelona will compete for the Spanish Primera Division next term.
But is there any truth to these claims? The Portuguese legend might be seeking a Theatre of Dreams escape, but are Barcelona pursuing a move for the player who once went to war with the likes of Puyol, Pique, and Mascherano?
Joan Laporta somewhat touched upon this topic during the recent presentation of Franck Kessie, the Ivorian midfielder who joined the Spanish giants from AC Milan for free. The Barcelona president openly admitted to having a meeting with Jorge Mendes, revealing that they had a conversation regarding the "market in general". However, on the topic of Cristiano, the Camp Nou official refused to offer any insight and instead gave a coy statement.
"I had dinner with Jorge Mendes on Monday and we talked about the market in general," Laporta said, as per the Sun.
"Cristiano? I'm not going to talk about players we discussed at the meeting, but it's always good to know how some names are on the market."
It should be noted that a meeting with Mendes isn't a smoking gun as the Portuguese agent represents a host of talented players, including Manchester City's Bernardo Silva, who Barcelona are targeting. Additionally, Xavi's side are keen on a move for Robert Lewandowski and despite Bayern Munich's reluctance to sell their Polish superstar, the Blaugrana aren't expected to give up soon.
Other key headlines from the world of football
Sevilla sporting director offers update on Chelsea's pursuit of highly-rated defender Jules Kounde
Sevilla's sporting director Monchi has offered an update on the Jules Kounde transfer saga after Chelsea's interest in the Frenchman went quiet, revealing that while there is interest from other clubs, no one has yet won the battle for Jules' signature.
"Jules Koundé has chances to leave the club if some club will pay the release clause. Chelsea made a bid last week but we didn't like it."
Kounde's release clause is believed to be somewhere around €75/80M, which translates to $77M/82M. It remains uncertain whether Chelsea will return with a second bid or whether Sevilla will opt to negotiate once transfer deadline day grows closer, but Monchi added in a separate interview that clubs from other countries are also interested in the player.
TRANSFER TALK: Toronto FC looking again to Serie A to further boost attack
It is no surprise that Toronto FC have sought to really boost their squad this season on all fronts. Notably, they have turned to Italy's Serie A in search of improvements, and so far have signed Napoli star Lorenzo Insigne as well as Genoa's Domenico Criscito.
One player they are apparently looking at is Federico Bernadeschi, who at times, has struggled for consistent first-team football since arriving at Juventus from Fiorentina in July 2017. Although the Italian international has been deployed in a variety of roles, including being used as a full-back by Andrea Pirlo, he might be potentially considering looking at a change of scenery and a place where he very likely would be guaranteed a spot in the starting XI.
Of course, there have been no concrete figures put about, nor have the Bianconeri or the player himself said anything about a move, but having captured two players from Italy's top flight, Toronto may be hoping to get lucky for a third time as they aim to put last season's disaster firmly behind them.
Bayern Munich open talks with Juventus for Chelsea transfer target
Chelsea have been handed blow in the transfer market with Bayern Munich reportedly pursuing one of their transfer targets. The Bavarians have apparently began negotiations to bring Juventus defender Matthjias de Ligt to the Allianz Arena, with the player keen on the move.
Chelsea have been forced to enter the transfer market for a new center half following the departure of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen this summer. Juventus' De Ligt has been identified among the players shortlisted by the Blues with the likes of Kalidou Koulibaly, Presnel Kimpembe and Jules Kounde among the possible targets as well.
However, it now seems the London club will not have a smooth run in their bid to secure the service of the former Ajax skipper despite preparing a €70 million bid. As reported by Sky in Germany on Monday, Bayern Munich wish to sign the Chelsea target this summer. Their pursuit is said to be concrete, with De Ligt also eager to join the German giants and talks are progressing significantly between the clubs.
