Axios

Major League Soccer kicks off its 30th season Saturday.

Why it matters: Soccer's popularity and ticket prices are growing as the 2026 World Cup approaches.

Political tensions between the U.S. and Canada are colliding with a high-stakes hockey game Thursday night between the sport's major superpowers.

Why it matters: The drama-filled matchup, featuring the best players from Team USA and Canada, has become the most anticipated international hockey game in over a decade.

Either the U.S. or Canada claims the championship of the NHL's 4 Nations Face-Off midseason tournament Thursday — but the league has already won.

Why it matters: The tournament has delivered everything All-Star Games across sports have come to lack: The players care, the games matter and fans can't look away.