Meet the last 8 teams in the running for the Women's World Cup The quarterfinalists include Japan, Colombia and Australia, and five European squads. Here are the stars to watch and the key storylines to follow in the quarterfinal matches that begin Thursday. Laurel Wamsley
Who's in, who's out and storylines to watch in the Women's World Cup round of 16 The Women's World Cup says goodbye to Germany and Brazil and welcome to Morocco and Jamaica. Here are the teams and games to watch as the tournament's knockout stage begins. Laurel Wamsley
Will Lionel Messi finally make the U.S. a soccer nation? After a move to Inter Miami, the world's biggest soccer star has more than a new team to take on — he's being counted on to popularize Major League Soccer too. Manuela López Restrepo
Roster for FIFA Women's World Cup stacked with PNW players KUOW's Paige Browning reports. Paige Browning
Soccer shocker: Lionel Messi says he will join Miami's MLS team After months of speculation, Messi announced his decision Wednesday to join Inter Miami, a franchise that has been led by another global soccer icon in David Beckham since its inception. The Associated Press
'Pelé' now officially means 'exceptional,' a Brazilian dictionary declares "Pelé" — the nickname of one of soccer's greatest players — has long been used as a synonym for greatness. Now, a Brazilian dictionary is making that meaning official with a new entry. Emily Olson
Can the OL Reign finally rein in a championship this year? Writer Oliver Hunt thinks they have what it takes. John O'Brien
Soccer's Orlando Pride ditches players' white shorts over period concerns It's the first National Women's Soccer League team to adopt such a change in uniforms. The goal is to make players more "comfortable and confident," the Pride says. Jaclyn Diaz
U.S. women's soccer tries to overcome its past lack of diversity While the U.S. women's national soccer team has steadily become more representative, players say there's still work to be done. That means ensuring young women of color feel included in the sport. The Associated Press
Cristiano Ronaldo signs with a Saudi soccer club The announcement, a groundbreaking deal for Middle Eastern soccer, ends speculation about where he would go next. Ronaldo became a free agent after his contract was terminated by Manchester United. The Associated Press
