The Soccer Thread (Version 8)

We have a GM ...

Earnie Stewart named first-ever USMNT GM

 

Hope Solo, still keeping it petty:

AP Interview: Hope Solo says don't vote for US World Cup bid

 

WOW!

 

Holy shit. GOALKEEPERS UNION.

I think of him as a developer of talent rather than a custodian of it, but let's see how this shakes out. Super interesting hire.

 

If you aren't listening to the American Fiasco podcast by one of the Men in Blazers - you should be. You learn about stuff like this. How can anything that features OJ, Marcus Allen and Cathy Lee Crosby be bad?
The Making of “Victory,” the 1990 U.S. World Cup Anthem

 

I just saw this story. It's brilliant!

 

BREAKING: U.S. qualifies for 2026 World Cup

 

So does Canada! All it took was co-hosting a 48-team tournament with seven spots for CONCACAF! Huzzah to the shopkeep!

 

That isn't confirmed yet, apparently. You'd have to think the US is a lock, but more than two auto bids is unprecedented.

 

You can't have a country host and not play. Canada will be in. It would have been much thornier in the present format, but with 48 teams, Canada will have the honour of being the worst team to play in a World Cup.

 

Worse than Qatar?