Footy Access coverage
Reporting, player profiles and analysis from across youth soccer. Follow the story, then explore the competition.
The 2026 Messi Cup draw has set up a series of high-profile matchups, with defending champions River Plate facing Chelsea, Inter Milan and Ajax in Group A. Barcelona, Arsenal and Palmeiras headline Group B, while Inter Miami will take on Atlético de Madrid, Benfica and Independiente del Valle in a tournament that doubles in size for its second edition.
Lucas Aguirre ·
Leonard Prescott’s future at Bayern Munich is uncertain amid stalled contract talks and reported interest from Chelsea. The 17-year-old goalkeeper, who was born in New York and represents Germany at youth level, remains eligible to play for the United States.
Lucas Aguirre ·
After spending an extended period sidelined by injury, Zidane Yáñez has rediscovered his scoring touch at Huntsville City FC, recording seven goals and one assist across a five-game stretch in MLS NEXT Pro. The 18-year-old forward’s resurgence comes after his move from New York City FC and alongside an invitation to Chile’s senior national team setup.
Lucas Aguirre ·
The FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup returns to Morocco on October 17, with 24 nations competing for the title. The United States will look to make a deep run, while Argentina prepares for its historic first appearance at the tournament.
Lucas Aguirre ·
Just over two years after scoring in the United Premier Soccer League with AS Frenzi in the United States, Yan Diomande has scored his first goal for Real Madrid, completing another milestone in one of football’s most unusual journeys to the top.
Lucas Aguirre ·
Jacob Gollop became the third-youngest player in Barbados’ history to make his senior international debut at just 16, capping a rapid rise that has taken him from youth international football to the senior national team while developing at Woodstock Academy in the United States.
Lucas Aguirre ·
Austyn Jones has scored five goals in nine appearances for Jong PSV, while his recent involvement with the Netherlands U-19 national team adds another dimension to the future of the 18-year-old American-eligible striker.
Lucas Aguirre ·
Victor Vandenbroucke has stepped away from Honduras without making an international appearance, leaving his options with the United States and Belgium open as he continues his development at KAA Gent.
Lucas Aguirre ·
U.S. Soccer’s U-16 Boys’ National Team Futures program returns for its October camp with a new head coach, 24 prospects born in 2011 and a continued focus on identifying late-developing talent.
Lucas Aguirre ·
The NCAA Division I Cabinet affirmed a proposal to split college soccer across the fall and spring semesters, with a 30-day rescission period now standing between the reform and its planned 2027-28 implementation.
Lucas Aguirre ·
