“With just one kick, Bajraktarevic, who is from Wisconsin but switched his allegiance to Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2024, stepped up to secure the shootout advantage for Bosnia, in-hand securing the country’s second World Cup finals since becoming an independent nation,” reported The Sporting News.

This momentous event took place during a World Cup playoff final against Italy, where Bajraktarević not only scored his first international goal for Bosnia and Herzegovina on November 15, 2025, but also played a crucial role in the team’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

The goal, a stunning curved strike in the 79th minute, was later voted UEFA Qualifiers goal of the month. It was a significant achievement for the 21-year-old right winger, who has made 13 appearances for the national team since switching his allegiance from the USA youth teams.

Bajraktarević’s journey in professional football began with the New England Revolution in Major League Soccer before he joined PSV Eindhoven in the summer of 2025. During the 2025-26 season, he made 32 appearances for the Dutch club, showcasing his talent on a larger stage.

His decisive penalty kick in the playoff final against Italy, which ended with a score of 4-2 in favor of Bosnia after a tense shootout, sent the hosts into a frenzy, as noted by FOX Soccer. This victory marked a historic moment for Bosnia and Herzegovina, as it secured their first World Cup appearance as an independent nation.

“Esmir Bajraktarević clinched a World Cup berth for Bosnia and Herzegovina,” a statement echoed by various sports analysts, highlighting the player’s rapid rise to prominence.

As Bosnia prepares for the World Cup, they will face tough competition in Group B, which includes Qatar, Switzerland, and Canada. Bajraktarević’s contributions will be vital as the team aims to make a mark on the world stage.

His decision to represent Bosnia and Herzegovina after previously being part of the USA youth system sparked conversation among American soccer fans, but it is clear that his heart lies with his ancestral homeland.

Looking ahead, Bajraktarević will have the opportunity to showcase his skills at the 2026 World Cup, where expectations will be high for both him and the national team.

As he continues to develop into a key player for club and country, the football world will be watching closely to see how this young talent evolves.

The post Esmir Bajraktarević: A Rising Star for Bosnia and Herzegovina appeared first on News Canada.

The stage is set for an intriguing international friendly match between Portugal and the USA, scheduled for April 1, 2026, at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. This matchup is particularly significant as both teams have a storied history, with each side claiming two victories and sharing three draws in their six previous encounters. The anticipation is palpable, especially given that the USA has not lost to Portugal in 36 years, a streak that adds an extra layer of pressure to the Portuguese squad.

As the teams prepare for this clash, Portugal’s head coach, Roberto Martínez, faces a major setback with the news that star player Cristiano Ronaldo will miss the game due to a hamstring injury. Ronaldo, who has scored an impressive 143 goals for Portugal in 226 appearances, is not just a key player but also a role model for the team. Martínez expressed confidence in Ronaldo’s recovery, stating, “The World Cup is not at risk. It’s a minor muscle injury and we think he can return in a week or two.” However, his absence will undoubtedly be felt on the pitch.

On the other side, the USA, under the guidance of head coach Mauricio Pochettino, is looking to build momentum after a disappointing 5-2 defeat against Belgium in their last match. This loss has raised questions about the team’s defensive capabilities, especially as they prepare to face a formidable opponent like Portugal. Pochettino’s squad is keen to learn from their mistakes, with player Chris Richards noting, “I think it’s best that we learn these lessons now before the World Cup and us getting there and learning the hard way.” This sentiment underscores the importance of the upcoming match for the USA as they seek to refine their strategy and bolster their confidence.

Portugal, currently ranked No. 5 in the FIFA world rankings, is the defending UEFA Nations League champion. Their last outing ended in a goalless draw against Mexico, a result that may have left them eager to assert their dominance against the USA. The Portuguese team will be looking to capitalize on their strong historical performance against the Americans, especially in light of Ronaldo’s absence, which may provide opportunities for other players to step up, such as Bruno Fernandes.

Broadcasting of the match will be extensive, with live coverage in the UK on Premier Sports 2 and in the USA on TNT, truTV, HBO Max, and Peacock. This wide reach reflects the global interest in the match, which is expected to attract a significant audience eager to witness this clash of footballing styles.

As the match approaches, both teams are aware of the stakes involved. For Portugal, this game is an opportunity to showcase their depth and resilience in the face of adversity. For the USA, it represents a chance to test their mettle against a top-tier opponent and to rectify the defensive lapses that led to their recent defeat. The outcome of this match could have implications not only for their respective standings but also for the morale heading into the World Cup.

In summary, the upcoming Portugal vs USA match is set against a backdrop of rich history and competitive spirit. With Ronaldo sidelined, the Portuguese will need to rally together, while the Americans aim to learn from past mistakes. As both teams gear up for this pivotal encounter, the football world watches closely, eager to see how this narrative unfolds on the field.

The post Portugal vs USA: A Clash of Titans in Atlanta appeared first on News Canada.

On March 29, 2026, Portugal and Mexico clashed in a friendly match at the iconic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. This match was particularly significant as it marked the reopening of the stadium after extensive renovations that had kept it closed since May 2024. The Azteca Stadium, renowned for hosting the finals of the 1970 and 1986 World Cups, is set to host five matches during the upcoming FIFA World Cup, including the tournament opener.

Despite the anticipation surrounding the match, it ended in a goalless draw. Portugal’s coach, Roberto Martinez, noted that his team managed to take ten shots on goal, indicating a level of offensive pressure, though none resulted in a score. Notably absent from the squad were star players Cristiano Ronaldo and Rafael Leao, which may have impacted the team’s performance.

Tragically, the atmosphere was marred by a fatal incident prior to the match, where a man fell from the stands at the stadium. Such occurrences cast a shadow over what should have been a celebratory event, as fans gathered to witness the return of football to this historic venue.

In a related friendly match earlier, the USA faced Belgium, suffering a heavy defeat of 5-2. Weston McKennie scored for the USA in the 39th minute, but the team ultimately could not recover from Belgium’s offensive onslaught. This match took place just 75 days before the World Cup, adding to the urgency for teams to refine their strategies.

Roberto Martinez commented on the match, stating, “Success or failure isn’t just about the score. There are many more factors at play these days.” His perspective reflects a broader understanding of the evolving nature of football, where performance metrics extend beyond mere goals.

Meanwhile, Mauricio Pochettino, reflecting on the USA’s loss, remarked, “I see this as a good reality check for us, because now is the moment to feel this type of situation, to improve.” His words resonate as teams prepare for the high stakes of the World Cup.

As the football world turns its attention to the upcoming tournament, the goalless draw between Portugal and Mexico serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of friendly matches and the importance of preparation. The absence of key players and the tragic incident overshadowed the event, but the reopening of the Azteca Stadium remains a significant milestone in the lead-up to the World Cup.

With the tournament fast approaching, teams like Portugal and Mexico will need to address their shortcomings and capitalize on their strengths to compete effectively on the world stage.

The post Portugal vs Mexico: A Goalless Encounter at Azteca Stadium appeared first on News Canada.

On a crisp evening at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, the United States men’s national team faced Belgium in a highly anticipated friendly match. Just before the kickoff, the U.S. was riding high on a five-game unbeaten streak, but the atmosphere quickly shifted as the match unfolded.

In the 39th minute, Weston McKennie gave the U.S. an early lead, scoring the opening goal and igniting hopes for a positive outcome. However, Belgium responded just before halftime, with Zeno Debast equalizing, leaving the score at 1-1 as the teams headed into the locker rooms.

The second half proved to be a different story altogether. Belgium came out strong, with Amadou Onana scoring their second goal in the 53rd minute. This shift in momentum was palpable, and the U.S. struggled to regain control.

In the 59th minute, Charles De Ketelaere converted a penalty kick, extending Belgium’s lead to 3-1. The U.S. defense, which had been a point of pride in previous matches, faltered under pressure, allowing Belgium to capitalize on their mistakes.

Dodi Lukebakio then added to the U.S.’s woes, scoring two goals in quick succession—first in the 68th minute and again in the 82nd minute. The final score of 5-2 was a stark reminder of the challenges the U.S. faces on the international stage.

The match was attended by 66,867 fans, who witnessed a disappointing performance from the U.S. team. Christian Pulisic, a key player, extended his goal drought to seven games, expressing his disappointment by stating, “Of course, I’m disappointed. I have to finish my chances.”

Despite missing several key players due to injuries, Belgium showcased their depth and skill, with coach Rudi Garcia remarking, “This team is better than the result.” Meanwhile, U.S. goalkeeper Matt Turner acknowledged the defensive lapses, stating, “We didn’t defend our box well enough.”

This defeat marks a significant moment for the U.S. men’s national team, as they have not beaten Belgium since the group stage of the inaugural World Cup in 1930. The loss ended their unbeaten streak and raised questions about their readiness for upcoming challenges.

Looking ahead, the U.S. will face Portugal in their next match, a crucial opportunity to regroup and address the issues highlighted in this match against Belgium. As they prepare for this encounter, the lessons learned from this defeat will be vital for their development and future success.

The post USA vs Belgium: A Harsh Reality Check for the U.S. Men’s National Team appeared first on News Canada.

The United States achieved a historic milestone at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games by sweeping the gold medals in all hockey events, including Para ice hockey, women’s hockey, and men’s hockey. This unprecedented accomplishment marks the first time a country has swept both the Paralympic and Olympic hockey tournaments at a single Games.

In the Para ice hockey gold medal match, the United States defeated Canada decisively with a score of 6-2. Jack Wallace played a pivotal role in this victory, scoring a hat trick that significantly contributed to the team’s success. Meanwhile, Liam Hickey netted both goals for Canada, showcasing the competitive spirit of the team.

This loss represents Canada’s third consecutive silver medal in Para ice hockey, reflecting a strong but ultimately unsuccessful pursuit of gold. Canada’s Corbin Watson performed admirably in goal, stopping 20 shots during the final, while Canada managed to generate 15 shots on goal, the highest any American goalie faced throughout the tournament.

Tyler McGregor, a member of the Canadian team, expressed pride in his teammates, stating, “I’m most proud of who they are, just who my teammates are, the type of people they are, the intentions and effort and the care that everyone shows up with and for each other.” This sentiment highlights the camaraderie and dedication within the Canadian squad.

Head coach Boris Rybalka acknowledged the effort of his players, saying, “They battled, they competed, obviously they wanted to have that gold medal for Canada and for themselves, but at the end of the day we are very proud of their effort and how they played.” Despite the disappointment, the team’s resilience remains evident.

As the Games progressed, the United States continued to demonstrate their dominance in the sport, securing their fifth straight gold medal in Para ice hockey. This consistent performance underscores their status as a powerhouse in the discipline.

Looking ahead, the Canadian team is expected to regroup and prepare for future competitions, with Rybalka expressing confidence in their readiness: “I know they’ll be ready, that’s the pride and that’s the Canadian heart.” This determination may fuel their quest for gold in upcoming events.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding potential changes to team rosters or strategies as both nations reflect on their performances at the 2026 Games. The impact of this tournament on future international competitions remains to be seen.

The post Paralympique 2026: Paralympic Winter Games 2026: USA Dominates Para Ice Hockey appeared first on News Canada.