If FIFA is serious about its ideals and the unifying potential of its marquee event, it must confront the divisiveness the United States is sowing.

The United States will play Venezuela and Australia in a pair of friendlies in October as part of its preparation for the 2026 World Cup, U.S. Soccer announced on Monday.

The United States will play Ecuador and Australia in October friendlies as preparation for next year's World Cup. The No. 15 Americans will meet No. 25 Ecuador on Oct. 10 at Austin, Texas, and No. 24 Australia four days later at Commerce City,

They call it football, but I guess we call it soccer,’ Trump said in an interview with a sports streaming channel. 'But that change could be made very easily.'

Chelsea players were very confused by the United States president's actions following their historic FIFA Club World Cup victory.

AJ Dybantsa led the way as the United States earned a 108-102 win over Canada in the Quarterfinals of the 2025 U19 FIBA World Cup in Switzerland. Caleb Holt led the way as the United States earned a 120-64 win over New Zealand in the Semifinals of the 2025 U19 FIBA World Cup in Switzerland.

The inaugural 32-team Club World Cup wrapped up on Sunday with plenty of lessons learned for organisers FIFA, with the tournament in the United States, won by Chelsea, acting as a preview of the 2026 World Cup.

As the expanded 2025 Club World Cup comes to a close, The Sporting News examines the key takeaways for FIFA and local organisers ahead of the 2026 World Cup in North America.