Paul Tenorio
@paultenorio.bsky.social
Senior writer covering soccer for The Athletic.
Took a crack at the best, worst and most interesting potential World Cup groups for the #USMNT.
What do @henrybushnell.bsky.social and I see as the group of death? The best possible path?
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
What do @henrybushnell.bsky.social and I see as the group of death? The best possible path?
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
USMNT 2026 World Cup draw scenarios: Best, worst, most interesting groups
We can now fully assess all the possibilities for what the U.S.'s World Cup group could look like next summer. Buckle up
www.nytimes.com
November 25, 2025 at 11:46 PM
Took a crack at the best, worst and most interesting potential World Cup groups for the #USMNT.
What do @henrybushnell.bsky.social and I see as the group of death? The best possible path?
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
What do @henrybushnell.bsky.social and I see as the group of death? The best possible path?
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
Talk about competition for #USMNT roster spots: Weah (assist), McKennie (goal) and Tillman all performing well in Champions League today. Pulisic goal in the derby on the weekend. Weah and Tillman also scored this weekend.
This is what Pochettino wants to see.
This is what Pochettino wants to see.
November 25, 2025 at 9:27 PM
Talk about competition for #USMNT roster spots: Weah (assist), McKennie (goal) and Tillman all performing well in Champions League today. Pulisic goal in the derby on the weekend. Weah and Tillman also scored this weekend.
This is what Pochettino wants to see.
This is what Pochettino wants to see.
Reposted by Paul Tenorio
Sources: Celtic finalizing deal to name Wilfried Nancy their next manager.
Columbus Crew will get compensation. Now, Crew need to find new head coach.
W/ @paultenorio.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
Columbus Crew will get compensation. Now, Crew need to find new head coach.
W/ @paultenorio.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
Crew head coach Nancy in advanced talks over Celtic appointment
www.nytimes.com
November 24, 2025 at 6:37 PM
Sources: Celtic finalizing deal to name Wilfried Nancy their next manager.
Columbus Crew will get compensation. Now, Crew need to find new head coach.
W/ @paultenorio.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
Columbus Crew will get compensation. Now, Crew need to find new head coach.
W/ @paultenorio.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
Reposted by Paul Tenorio
After a huge win, Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas went into the locker room with a simple message:
“Dos mas.”
Two more wins is all the club are focused on.
The road to MLS Cup goes through South Florida.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
“Dos mas.”
Two more wins is all the club are focused on.
The road to MLS Cup goes through South Florida.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
Inter Miami looks like an MLS Cup favorite as Messi, Mascherano pull the right strings
Lionel Messi is doing a bit of everything, and Javier Mascherano's bold calls are paying off. Inter Miami is exuding that title aura.
www.nytimes.com
November 24, 2025 at 3:03 AM
After a huge win, Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas went into the locker room with a simple message:
“Dos mas.”
Two more wins is all the club are focused on.
The road to MLS Cup goes through South Florida.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
“Dos mas.”
Two more wins is all the club are focused on.
The road to MLS Cup goes through South Florida.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
Reposted by Paul Tenorio
Son vs Müller lived up to the hype in an MLS instant classic as the fight of Vancouver stole the show in the final minutes of the game.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
MLS’s Son-Müller playoff showdown meets the hype, as Vancouver wins an instant classic
If Son Heung-min's stoppage time free kick wasn't a dagger, dropping to nine men should've been. It didn't matter for the resolute Whitecaps
www.nytimes.com
November 23, 2025 at 7:31 AM
Son vs Müller lived up to the hype in an MLS instant classic as the fight of Vancouver stole the show in the final minutes of the game.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
Son vs Müller lived up to the hype in an MLS instant classic as the fight of Vancouver stole the show in the final minutes of the game.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
MLS’s Son-Müller playoff showdown meets the hype, as Vancouver wins an instant classic
If Son Heung-min's stoppage time free kick wasn't a dagger, dropping to nine men should've been. It didn't matter for the resolute Whitecaps
www.nytimes.com
November 23, 2025 at 7:31 AM
Son vs Müller lived up to the hype in an MLS instant classic as the fight of Vancouver stole the show in the final minutes of the game.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
Reposted by Paul Tenorio
On the field, Son Heung-min and Thomas Müller are superstars.
Off the field, they’re genuine, down to earth and a pair of jokesters.
On group chat banter, training ground pranks, acts of kindness and more ahead of tomorrow’s sold-out playoff match.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
Off the field, they’re genuine, down to earth and a pair of jokesters.
On group chat banter, training ground pranks, acts of kindness and more ahead of tomorrow’s sold-out playoff match.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
November 21, 2025 at 2:40 PM
On the field, Son Heung-min and Thomas Müller are superstars.
Off the field, they’re genuine, down to earth and a pair of jokesters.
On group chat banter, training ground pranks, acts of kindness and more ahead of tomorrow’s sold-out playoff match.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
Off the field, they’re genuine, down to earth and a pair of jokesters.
On group chat banter, training ground pranks, acts of kindness and more ahead of tomorrow’s sold-out playoff match.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
Taking another shot at Mauricio Pochettino's 26-man roster for the 2026 World Cup with @henrybushnell.bsky.social.
Some new names on this version...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
Some new names on this version...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
USMNT World Cup roster projection after November friendlies: 26 for 2026
World Cup roster battles are more fierce than ever for Mauricio Pochettino's side, with many players enjoying a positive November window
www.nytimes.com
November 20, 2025 at 9:05 PM
Taking another shot at Mauricio Pochettino's 26-man roster for the 2026 World Cup with @henrybushnell.bsky.social.
Some new names on this version...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
Some new names on this version...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
The 2026 MLS schedule is out:
* Son vs Messi opening night at LA Coliseum
* 7-week World Cup break (should've flipped for '26!)
* Uninterrupted playoffs
* MORE details
www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
* Son vs Messi opening night at LA Coliseum
* 7-week World Cup break (should've flipped for '26!)
* Uninterrupted playoffs
* MORE details
www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
MLS 2026 schedule: Key dates, Messi spectacles and World Cup-related tweaks
Inter Miami's headliner of a season opener and stadium opener are big part the last full February-to-November MLS season
www.nytimes.com
November 20, 2025 at 8:17 PM
The 2026 MLS schedule is out:
* Son vs Messi opening night at LA Coliseum
* 7-week World Cup break (should've flipped for '26!)
* Uninterrupted playoffs
* MORE details
www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
* Son vs Messi opening night at LA Coliseum
* 7-week World Cup break (should've flipped for '26!)
* Uninterrupted playoffs
* MORE details
www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
The USMNT's 2026 schedule is nearly set:
⚽️ pre-World Cup camp in Atlanta, May friendly on East Coast
🇩🇪 Sendoff game in Chicago vs. Germany
🇧🇪🇵🇹 March friendlies confirmed
@HenryBushnell and I outline the squad's path to the World Cup:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
⚽️ pre-World Cup camp in Atlanta, May friendly on East Coast
🇩🇪 Sendoff game in Chicago vs. Germany
🇧🇪🇵🇹 March friendlies confirmed
@HenryBushnell and I outline the squad's path to the World Cup:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
USMNT’s 2026 slate takes shape: World Cup sendoff in Chicago, March friendlies booked
The logistics of the USMNT 2026 schedule, both leading up to the World Cup and during it, have emerged
www.nytimes.com
November 19, 2025 at 6:51 PM
The USMNT's 2026 schedule is nearly set:
⚽️ pre-World Cup camp in Atlanta, May friendly on East Coast
🇩🇪 Sendoff game in Chicago vs. Germany
🇧🇪🇵🇹 March friendlies confirmed
@HenryBushnell and I outline the squad's path to the World Cup:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
⚽️ pre-World Cup camp in Atlanta, May friendly on East Coast
🇩🇪 Sendoff game in Chicago vs. Germany
🇧🇪🇵🇹 March friendlies confirmed
@HenryBushnell and I outline the squad's path to the World Cup:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
Last night's win over Uruguay speaks to the depth and belief Mauricio Pochettino has instilled up and down the #USMNT.
In his words: “Let’s be realistic,” Pochettino told the team. “And do the impossible.”
Reviewing the last year and the progress.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
In his words: “Let’s be realistic,” Pochettino told the team. “And do the impossible.”
Reviewing the last year and the progress.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
USMNT’s reality has shifted, and Pochettino now has dreams of ‘impossible’ World Cup run
The USMNT coach has overseen a spirited upturn in fortunes after a poor start to 2025. Suddenly, a World Cup run doesn't seem so crazy
www.nytimes.com
November 19, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Last night's win over Uruguay speaks to the depth and belief Mauricio Pochettino has instilled up and down the #USMNT.
In his words: “Let’s be realistic,” Pochettino told the team. “And do the impossible.”
Reviewing the last year and the progress.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
In his words: “Let’s be realistic,” Pochettino told the team. “And do the impossible.”
Reviewing the last year and the progress.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
Reposted by Paul Tenorio
It's a crucial first offseason in charge for New York Red Bulls head of sport Julian de Guzman
- Head coaching search... where Michael Bradley is in the mix
- DP spot... where Timo Werner is NOT in the mix
- Identity/tactical shift to "playing more football"
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
- Head coaching search... where Michael Bradley is in the mix
- DP spot... where Timo Werner is NOT in the mix
- Identity/tactical shift to "playing more football"
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
Red Bulls’ new head of soccer: On Michael Bradley’s coaching candidacy, Timo Werner
Bradley won an MLS Next Pro title in short order. Could he take charge as Julian de Guzman's first big call as RBNY's chief?
www.nytimes.com
November 18, 2025 at 1:25 PM
It's a crucial first offseason in charge for New York Red Bulls head of sport Julian de Guzman
- Head coaching search... where Michael Bradley is in the mix
- DP spot... where Timo Werner is NOT in the mix
- Identity/tactical shift to "playing more football"
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
- Head coaching search... where Michael Bradley is in the mix
- DP spot... where Timo Werner is NOT in the mix
- Identity/tactical shift to "playing more football"
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
“We are losing money on the table every summer because of this,” one current MLS CSO told The Athletic.
MNUFC’s summer transfer window was a microcosm of those quandaries, both in acquiring and transferring out players...
Lots in this from @tombogert.bsky.social:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
MNUFC’s summer transfer window was a microcosm of those quandaries, both in acquiring and transferring out players...
Lots in this from @tombogert.bsky.social:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
MLS club officials agree that calendar shift will boost power in transfer windows
Chief soccer officers across MLS clubs believe the switch to the European calendar will strengthen their position in the transfer market
www.nytimes.com
November 17, 2025 at 1:38 PM
“We are losing money on the table every summer because of this,” one current MLS CSO told The Athletic.
MNUFC’s summer transfer window was a microcosm of those quandaries, both in acquiring and transferring out players...
Lots in this from @tombogert.bsky.social:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
MNUFC’s summer transfer window was a microcosm of those quandaries, both in acquiring and transferring out players...
Lots in this from @tombogert.bsky.social:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
#USMNT players give backing to the MLS calendar shift.
“I think it was necessary,” Tim Ream said. “I think it was needed to align with the rest of the world, including transfers. It’s a good thing.”
From @tombogert.bsky.social:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
“I think it was necessary,” Tim Ream said. “I think it was needed to align with the rest of the world, including transfers. It’s a good thing.”
From @tombogert.bsky.social:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
USMNT players give backing to MLS calendar switch
USMNT players have reacted to MLS's decision to switch to the European calendar in 2027 with broad agreement with the change.
www.nytimes.com
November 17, 2025 at 1:11 PM
#USMNT players give backing to the MLS calendar shift.
“I think it was necessary,” Tim Ream said. “I think it was needed to align with the rest of the world, including transfers. It’s a good thing.”
From @tombogert.bsky.social:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
“I think it was necessary,” Tim Ream said. “I think it was needed to align with the rest of the world, including transfers. It’s a good thing.”
From @tombogert.bsky.social:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
Reposted by Paul Tenorio
On Gio Reyna, who's "been through a lot," but “always shows up for the national team"... and showed, once again, why he can be a World Cup difference-maker:
Gio Reyna still has a World Cup pulse after being USMNT’s ‘nightmare for Paraguay’
Mauricio Pochettino referred to Reyna as a "special situation" given his U.S. inclusion despite a lack of recent playing time. We saw why
www.nytimes.com
November 16, 2025 at 1:13 PM
On Gio Reyna, who's "been through a lot," but “always shows up for the national team"... and showed, once again, why he can be a World Cup difference-maker:
Pregame reading on the man who connects things behind the scenes of the #USMNT for Pochettino.
Jesús Pérez likes being “2 or 3 yards behind the coach." The difference in pressure is massive. But don't let that fool you. Pérez is Poch's right hand man.
"In the shadow of (a) big manager, there (are) always big assistants. And Jesús is one of them," Lloris said.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
"In the shadow of (a) big manager, there (are) always big assistants. And Jesús is one of them," Lloris said.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
Jesús Pérez: Mauricio Pochettino’s right-hand man and the USMNT’s eyes and ears
Pochettino's trusted assistant has been by his side for years, and he has a critical role to play as the USMNT preps for the World Cup
www.nytimes.com
November 15, 2025 at 9:27 PM
Pregame reading on the man who connects things behind the scenes of the #USMNT for Pochettino.
The MLS calendar flip is a big step — but not the only step — toward greater relevance.
On a historic vote and the next steps toward MLS’s success:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
On a historic vote and the next steps toward MLS’s success:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
MLS calendar flip is a big step, but not the only step, toward greater global relevance
Big change is coming to MLS in the summer of 2027, but what else needs to happen for the league to increase its profile?
www.nytimes.com
November 14, 2025 at 11:15 AM
The MLS calendar flip is a big step — but not the only step — toward greater relevance.
On a historic vote and the next steps toward MLS’s success:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
On a historic vote and the next steps toward MLS’s success:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
I was at the Fire playoff game with my wife and kids earlier this month. We wore coats, hats and gloves. (Weather wasn’t even a top 5 reason why it sucked.)
I’m fine with the change, but…
Press box guy would like the concerned paying folk to sit down and stfu
Press box guy would like the concerned paying folk to sit down and stfu
If I see one more post about games in January in a cold-weather market I'm going to cry.
I live in Chicago. I get it sucks going to games in cold markets in Nov, Dec and Feb. But the tradeoff of a handful more games in those months in a few markets is 100% worth it for what it means for MLS growth.
I live in Chicago. I get it sucks going to games in cold markets in Nov, Dec and Feb. But the tradeoff of a handful more games in those months in a few markets is 100% worth it for what it means for MLS growth.
November 14, 2025 at 1:12 AM
I was at the Fire playoff game with my wife and kids earlier this month. We wore coats, hats and gloves. (Weather wasn’t even a top 5 reason why it sucked.)
If I see one more post about games in January in a cold-weather market I'm going to cry.
I live in Chicago. I get it sucks going to games in cold markets in Nov, Dec and Feb. But the tradeoff of a handful more games in those months in a few markets is 100% worth it for what it means for MLS growth.
I live in Chicago. I get it sucks going to games in cold markets in Nov, Dec and Feb. But the tradeoff of a handful more games in those months in a few markets is 100% worth it for what it means for MLS growth.
November 14, 2025 at 12:53 AM
If I see one more post about games in January in a cold-weather market I'm going to cry.
I live in Chicago. I get it sucks going to games in cold markets in Nov, Dec and Feb. But the tradeoff of a handful more games in those months in a few markets is 100% worth it for what it means for MLS growth.
I live in Chicago. I get it sucks going to games in cold markets in Nov, Dec and Feb. But the tradeoff of a handful more games in those months in a few markets is 100% worth it for what it means for MLS growth.
Garber said goal is to get everything across the line in time for the start of the new calendar in 2027: To launch with new regular season and postseason AND new roster rules and player spend strategies in place.
BUT
"Rather take our time and get it right than be fast and get it wrong."
BUT
"Rather take our time and get it right than be fast and get it wrong."
BREAKING: MLS owners officially voted to flip to a "summer-spring" format beginning in mid-July and running through the end of May. Will start in 2027.
Also voted on the regular season format.
Details and quotes here from Palm Beach.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
Also voted on the regular season format.
Details and quotes here from Palm Beach.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
MLS owners vote to flip schedule to European calendar, change format starting in 2027
MLS will soon align with leagues that play from the fall to the spring after a transformational decision made by its owners
www.nytimes.com
November 13, 2025 at 9:47 PM
Garber said goal is to get everything across the line in time for the start of the new calendar in 2027: To launch with new regular season and postseason AND new roster rules and player spend strategies in place.
BUT
"Rather take our time and get it right than be fast and get it wrong."
BUT
"Rather take our time and get it right than be fast and get it wrong."
I can also now confirm a question a lot of people have been asking. Yes, MLS season ticket holders will get Apple TV (and all of its content) for free.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
MLS, Apple TV to bring games outside of extra paywall in 2026: Sources
Beginning next season, MLS games will be even more accessible via Apple TV
www.nytimes.com
November 13, 2025 at 9:21 PM
I can also now confirm a question a lot of people have been asking. Yes, MLS season ticket holders will get Apple TV (and all of its content) for free.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
MLS notes 91% of footprint (including playoffs) remains the same. Early season up against football rather than late-season and playoffs, which moves to more desirable spring.
Mid-July start gives few more weeks of summer play vs. mid-Aug start in Europe.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
Mid-July start gives few more weeks of summer play vs. mid-Aug start in Europe.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
MLS owners vote to flip schedule to European calendar, change format starting in 2027
MLS will soon align with leagues that play from the fall to the spring after a transformational decision made by its owners
www.nytimes.com
November 13, 2025 at 9:16 PM
MLS notes 91% of footprint (including playoffs) remains the same. Early season up against football rather than late-season and playoffs, which moves to more desirable spring.
Mid-July start gives few more weeks of summer play vs. mid-Aug start in Europe.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
Mid-July start gives few more weeks of summer play vs. mid-Aug start in Europe.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
MLS will take a break from mid-December through early to mid-February, as reported yesterday.
Will likely see more games in warmer markets in December/Feb, and conversely more in northern markets in July-August.
But never more than 3 in row for a team at home/away.
Will likely see more games in warmer markets in December/Feb, and conversely more in northern markets in July-August.
But never more than 3 in row for a team at home/away.
BREAKING: MLS owners officially voted to flip to a "summer-spring" format beginning in mid-July and running through the end of May. Will start in 2027.
Also voted on the regular season format.
Details and quotes here from Palm Beach.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
Also voted on the regular season format.
Details and quotes here from Palm Beach.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
MLS owners vote to flip schedule to European calendar, change format starting in 2027
MLS will soon align with leagues that play from the fall to the spring after a transformational decision made by its owners
www.nytimes.com
November 13, 2025 at 9:09 PM
MLS will take a break from mid-December through early to mid-February, as reported yesterday.
Will likely see more games in warmer markets in December/Feb, and conversely more in northern markets in July-August.
But never more than 3 in row for a team at home/away.
Will likely see more games in warmer markets in December/Feb, and conversely more in northern markets in July-August.
But never more than 3 in row for a team at home/away.
BREAKING: MLS owners officially voted to flip to a "summer-spring" format beginning in mid-July and running through the end of May. Will start in 2027.
Also voted on the regular season format.
Details and quotes here from Palm Beach.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
Also voted on the regular season format.
Details and quotes here from Palm Beach.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
MLS owners vote to flip schedule to European calendar, change format starting in 2027
MLS will soon align with leagues that play from the fall to the spring after a transformational decision made by its owners
www.nytimes.com
November 13, 2025 at 9:06 PM
BREAKING: MLS owners officially voted to flip to a "summer-spring" format beginning in mid-July and running through the end of May. Will start in 2027.
Also voted on the regular season format.
Details and quotes here from Palm Beach.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
Also voted on the regular season format.
Details and quotes here from Palm Beach.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
Reposted by Paul Tenorio
Jesús Pérez likes being “2 or 3 yards behind the coach." The difference in pressure is massive. But don't let that fool you. Pérez is Poch's right hand man.
"In the shadow of (a) big manager, there (are) always big assistants. And Jesús is one of them," Lloris said.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
"In the shadow of (a) big manager, there (are) always big assistants. And Jesús is one of them," Lloris said.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
Jesús Pérez: Mauricio Pochettino’s right-hand man and the USMNT’s eyes and ears
Pochettino's trusted assistant has been by his side for years, and he has a critical role to play as the USMNT preps for the World Cup
www.nytimes.com
November 13, 2025 at 2:56 PM
Jesús Pérez likes being “2 or 3 yards behind the coach." The difference in pressure is massive. But don't let that fool you. Pérez is Poch's right hand man.
"In the shadow of (a) big manager, there (are) always big assistants. And Jesús is one of them," Lloris said.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
"In the shadow of (a) big manager, there (are) always big assistants. And Jesús is one of them," Lloris said.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...