Depending on who you ask, World Cup expansion for 2022 is either a done deal or as close to that as possible. In other words, a little over a month out from the vote in Paris it now seems likelier that it does happen than it doesn't. That makes the obvious technical questions things that FIFA will deal with in time for the tournament. Top on that list might be figuring out where to stage the . . .
Tata Martino and the pressure of the fifth game
By Luis Bueno – RIVERSIDE, CA (Jan 16, 2019) US Soccer Players - When Mexico turned to Gerardo “Tata” Martino to fill its vacant head coaching position, the federation chose the most qualified available candidate. Martino brings with him a solid resume, a strong technical acumen, and a high level of enthusiasm. The difficulty for Martino - and, really, anyone that takes over the Mexican national . . .
Concacaf and World Cup expansion
Whether or not FIFA goes ahead with an expanded World Cup in 2022, we already know it will happen for 2026. 48 teams, resetting what we know about the tournament. For Concacaf, the early issue is number of qualifying spots and how World Cup qualifying will work in the era of expansion. It's worth the reminder that Concacaf would've already changed World Cup qualifying had they gotten four . . .
FIFA, the World Cup, and changes to world soccer
Over the weekend, reports linked CONMEBOL with the latest proposal for FIFA holding the World Cup every other year. How seriously FIFA decides to take that proposal is an open question, but it does raise a simple issue. If FIFA wants a global Nations League in the even years between World Cups, how is that different from a World Cup? It's CONMEBOL asking. “The proposal we have made to FIFA is to . . .
Infantino talks World Cup expansion for 2022
The soccer news starts with what we already know. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will have 48 teams. That's approved and set as the Confederations work through what happens with qualifying. What isn't so sure is whether or not the 2022 World Cup goes ahead at 32 or 48 teams. FIFA president Gianni Infantino highlighted that uncertainty in comments to the Asian Football Confederation. "Will it happen in . . .
5 World Cup players for MLS
By Clemente Lisi – MOSCOW, RUSSIA (Jul 16, 2018) US Soccer Players – Your World Cup hangover officially starts now. The days after crowning a World Cup champion is when those withdrawal symptoms start to kick in. It's only natural after watching such an obscene amount of games in such a short time span. While most of the planet tries to return to normal this week after France lifted the trophy on . . .
France at the top of world soccer
Monday's soccer news starts with the World Cup finale. France took the title 4-2 over Croatia in a game that left world soccer wondering what they'd seen from the new champions. France spent much of the game looking like a team unwilling to fully commit. Croatia ended with more possession 66% to 34%, twice the shots 14 to 7, 528 passes to 289, and higher passing accuracy 83% to 68%. Where France . . .
Saying so long to the 2018 World Cup
Friday's soccer news starts with the obvious. The World Cup concludes on Sunday (11am ET - Fox) with France vs Croatia and FIFA's president Gianni Infantino already letting us know that this is the best World Cup ever. Wait, what? "Since a couple of years I was saying that this will be the best World Cup ever," FIFA said. "Today I can say it even more, with more conviction... It is the best World . . .
The World Cup where no one wants to be the favorite
It's easy to decide that the 2018 World Cup is France's to lose. They're the team playing the best soccer in the tougher bracket, the favorite against Belgium in the semifinals. That's for good reason. France is playing the type of soccer that sets them apart at a World Cup where nobody wants to be the favorite anymore. Favorites lose at this World Cup. The run of upsets took out Germany in the . . .
Pondering lessons for the USMNT from Russia 2018
By Charles Boehm – WASHINGTON, DC (Jul 6, 2018) US Soccer Players - It can take days, even weeks, for the most educated observer to thoroughly sift through the lessons of 90 minutes of high-level soccer, much less the entirety of a World Cup. Watching the growing ranks of teams eliminated from Russia 2018, it's tempting to try to make sense of their experience. What's there to learn for the USMNT, . . .
