North American World Cup in Precarious Shape, DC Power Lose, “Where’s Waldo,” and More: Wednesday Freedom Kicks
OK, I guess I’ll turn the heat back on for my HVAC unit. Geez.
On to the news!
I’m gonna order this a bit different today, because we gotta talk about the unsettling trajectory of the World Cup coming to North America this Summer.
Is there a more fair way to sell World Cup tickets?– NPR
If this was actually FIFA’s priority, the process would look entirely different. Personally, I want the subtle knife that gets me to the dimension where that’s the case (His Dark Materials book series reference).
Iran seeks to move its World Cup matches from US to Mexico over safety– USA Today
Iran is in discussions with the Mexican government to play their games at venues outside the United States, putting FIFA in a spot they probably don’t want to be in (you know, thinking about humans). It’s an especially damning sign that the United States has lost its way in the global sentiment arena, given that the country deemed more safe for such a strong program is the one where, as detailed in this article from less than a month ago, nationwide cartel violence is very much a current threat.
Inside Lucia Di Guglielmo’s Move From Italy to the Washington Spirit– Sports Illustrated
Lucia showed a lot of promise on the Spirit backline despite the loss to Portland in the home opener. Worth taking a look at her profile piece in SI.
Gotham FC to play Washington Spirit in NWSL Citi Field debut– ESPN
Pretty strong potential for another massive NWSL crowd July 15th. Let’s hope the Spirit rise to the occasion.
Donald writes about DC Power’s narrow but devastating loss in a game that kicked off yesterday at an eye brow raising 11:30 AM weekday start time.
Side note, it appears former DC United winger Danny Cruz has left his position as head coach of Louisville City in the USL to become an assistant coach at Minnesota United. Wish him the best.
Pochettino’s USMNT roster shows softened stance on club form– ESPN
I’d argue this is less about Poch changing his mind about culture and more about injuries to some of his preferred squad members.
USMNT 2026 World Cup kit reveal: A stars and stripes affair– ESPN
Not exactly a surprise, but those who love the “Where’s Waldo” striped US national team kits got what they wanted, and my gag reflex is primed for impact.
This is from 2 days ago, but I thought it worth noting these achievements by the US women playing abroad.
Senegal’s AFCON final win overturned as Morocco declared winners– ESPN
This is a truly insane decision that dropped yesterday. The Confederation of African Football’s appeals board just ruled (remember, this the middle of March) that the AFCON Final in January now has a new winner. Senegal’s 1-0 victory has been ruled a 3-0 victory for their opponents, Morocco. If you wish to read the exact wording of the ruling, here it is. Don’t expect any clarity on what on earth happened here until some intrepid journalists untangle it. Unsurprisingly, Senegal are not going to end it there.
James Rodriguez is now playing in MLS. His debut was traumatic stuff.
Power Rankings: LAFC & Vancouver Whitecaps set the pace– MLS
You know what to do.
Arsenal 2-0 Bayer Leverkusen, Chelsea 0-3 PSG, Sporting 5-0 Bodø Glimt: Champions League – as it happened– The Guardian
In the Champions League matches yesterday, Arsenal achieved relief at home, Chelsea continued to get drubbed by PSG, Bernardo Silva negated any hope Man City had to overturn a 3 goal deficit with an early red… and plucky Norwegian side, Bodo/Glimt achieved peak sads as Sporting CP nuked their advantage in Lisbon. Bodo/Glimt exit the tournament, but not the hearts of those who marveled at their unlikely triumphs.
Meet the NY-born teenage GK who could be thrust into Bayern’s Champions League spotlight– The Athletic
Bayern Munich take the field today in the Champions League with a massive 5 goal aggregate advantage over Atalanta, and will look to continue the drubbing in the home leg. However, the real story is an injury crisis that could elevate an American prospect, Leonard Prescott, to a starting role. He is 16 years old. This sorta calls to mind the absolutely mind boggling historical inflection points where the collapse of lines of succession would thrust figures who no one thought would be relevant into massive positions. Could this really happen? I’m gonna tune in to find out.
WNBA, players’ union reach verbal agreement on new CBA terms– ESPN
We close out today with an uplifting story of how a league of incredibly talented and dominant female athletes are on the precipice of what they richly deserve. The popularity of the WNBA and fan attendance are finally reflecting the degree to which the players have balled out since its inception in 1997. It is only fitting that they get a CBA that that does right by them. Take a bow, ladies.
That’s all I’ve got! One-up me in the comments, and have a great sporting day!
Loudoun United won their US Open Cup game last night 2-1 and held off a late rally from West Chester United.
Dang, I was generally aware of that through chatter, but it slipped my mind to mention, and, though I googled Loudoun for any coverage, don’t believe anyone’s done a write up yet- this usually drop days later for USL.
https://thecup.us/2026/03/18/2026-us-open-cup-round-1-loudoun-united-west-chester/
And of note with this, Aman was not available for Loudoun, which means that he could feature for DCU in the open cup, if they want recall him to do that
Congratulations to Danny Cruz for following in the footsteps of Amos Magee.