A bigger World Cup is a better World Cup
Mauricio Pochettino has returned as the USMNT manager under a four-year contract intended to lead the team through the 2030 World Cup. While the team focuses on its long-term blueprint, FIFA leadership is under pressure. Gianni Infantino faces intensified scrutiny following the organization's decision to withdraw from a proposal to sell World Cup commercial rights. This leadership tension coincides with a broader transition in North American soccer, highlighted by the appointment of Los Angeles FC co-owner Larry Berg as the next MLS commissioner.
What changed
Mauricio Pochettino signed a four-year contract to coach the USMNT and Larry Berg was named the next MLS commissioner.
Live updates
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Mauricio Pochettino Returns to USMNT as FIFA Faces Leadership Scrutiny
Mauricio Pochettino has returned as the USMNT manager under a four-year contract intended to lead the team through the 2030 World Cup. While the team focuses on its long-term blueprint, FIFA leadership is under pressure. Gianni Infantino faces intensified scrutiny following the organization's decision to withdraw from a proposal to sell World Cup commercial rights. This leadership tension coincides with a broader transition in North American soccer, highlighted by the appointment of Los Angeles FC co-owner Larry Berg as the next MLS commissioner.
Why it matters
The USMNT is rebuilding its squad and standards following the 2026 World Cup. Meanwhile, FIFA's commercial strategies remain a point of contention among its leadership and global stakeholders.
What is confirmed
- Mauricio Pochettino signed a four-year contract to lead the USMNT through the 2030 World Cup.
- Larry Berg, a co-owner of Los Angeles FC, was voted as the next MLS commissioner.
Still unconfirmed
- FIFA's withdrawal from a proposal to sell World Cup commercial rights has increased scrutiny of Gianni Infantino.
What to watch next
- Outcome of the scrutiny regarding Gianni Infantino's leadership at FIFA.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (10)
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- eu.palmbeachpost.com — Mauricio Pochettino agrees to coach USMNT through 2030 World Cup
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- nypost.com — Next MLS commissioner Larry Berg will have one huge item on his agenda
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FIFA Considers Selling Stake in New Subsidiary
FIFA is exploring the sale of a stake in a new subsidiary that consolidates its commercial and event operations, following the 2026 World Cup. Norway's national team impressed at the tournament, reaching the quarterfinals. Los Angeles is now preparing for the 2028 Olympics after hosting eight FIFA matches. Tensions between FIFA and UEFA have escalated with UEFA announcing a boycott of FIFA tournaments.
Why it matters
The 2026 World Cup has concluded, and FIFA is now focusing on its commercial and event operations. The tournament saw impressive performances from Norway and other teams. The event's success has significant implications for FIFA's future plans, including a potential sale of a stake in a new subsidiary. The relationship between FIFA and UEFA has become increasingly strained.
What is confirmed
- Norway reached the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup, finishing second in Group I with wins over Iraq and Senegal.
- Los Angeles hosted eight FIFA matches and is now preparing for the 2028 Olympics.
- UEFA announced a boycott of FIFA tournaments, increasing tension between the two governing bodies.
- Tori Penso became the first American woman to lead an officiating crew in a Men's World Cup match.
Still unconfirmed
- FIFA may sell a stake in a new subsidiary designed to consolidate its commercial and event operations.
What to watch next
- FIFA's decision on the sale of a stake in its new subsidiary
- UEFA's response to FIFA's potential sale
- Preparations for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.foxsports.com — Where To Find Erling Haaland And Norway's Stars After The 2026 World Cup
- english.elpais.com — Goodbye World Cup, hello Olympics: Los Angeles races to prepare for its next major sporting event in 2028
- www.kunc.org — 'I still get goosebumps': Tori Penso on being a referee and her World Cup first
- www.nytimes.com — Are FIFA and UEFA in a forever war?
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FIFA Considers Selling Stake in New Subsidiary
FIFA may sell a stake in a new subsidiary consolidating commercial and event operations after the 2026 World Cup. Norway's national team impressed at the tournament, reaching the quarterfinals. Los Angeles is now preparing for the 2028 Olympics after hosting eight FIFA matches.
Why it matters
The 2026 World Cup has concluded, and FIFA is exploring new business opportunities. The tournament saw impressive performances from Norway and other teams. Los Angeles is shifting its focus to the 2028 Olympics.
What is confirmed
- Norway reached the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup.
- Los Angeles hosted eight FIFA matches.
- Tori Penso became the first American woman to lead an officiating crew in a Men's World Cup match.
Still unconfirmed
- FIFA may sell a stake in a new subsidiary designed to consolidate its commercial and event operations.
What to watch next
- FIFA's decision on selling a stake in the new subsidiary
- UEFA's response to the potential sale
- Los Angeles' preparations for the 2028 Olympics
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.foxsports.com — Where To Find Erling Haaland And Norway's Stars After The 2026 World Cup
- english.elpais.com — Goodbye World Cup, hello Olympics: Los Angeles races to prepare for its next major sporting event in 2028
- www.kunc.org — 'I still get goosebumps': Tori Penso on being a referee and her World Cup first
- www.nytimes.com — Are FIFA and UEFA in a forever war?
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FIFA Considers Commercial Subsidiary Sale Post-2026 World Cup
FIFA may sell a stake in a new subsidiary designed to consolidate its commercial and event operations. This follows the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup. Other sports activity includes club friendlies and player interviews.
What's confirmed:
- Tim Ream is 38 years old.
- Liverpool defeated Wrexham 1-0 in a pre-season friendly at Yankee Stadium.
Still unconfirmed:
- FIFA could sell a percentage of a new subsidiary that consolidates its commercial and event operations.
- Andoni Iraola is the manager for the Liverpool pre-season friendly.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (4)
- Team USA Captain Tim Ream Shares His Thoughts On the World Cup, Training, and MLS All-Star
- How Rio Ngumoha’s goal gave Liverpool pre-season friendly win over Wrexham at Yankee Stadium
- FIFA’s $4.2bn World Cup stake sale: Who will invest? Who is the money for? Who could stop this?
- The Highest-Paid Podcasters Of 2026
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Post-World Cup Sports Activity Continues
The 2026 World Cup concluded on July 19 after featuring 48 teams across North America. Current sports focus shifts to club friendlies and NFL surface debates.
Still unconfirmed:
- Liverpool and Wrexham are scheduled to play a club friendly match on July 29 at Yankee Stadium.
- NFL players argue that natural grass is safer and less taxing on their bodies than artificial turf.
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (2)
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2026 World Cup Expands to 48 Teams Across Three Nations
The 23rd FIFA World Cup began June 11, 2026, and is scheduled to end July 19. For the first time, the tournament features 48 teams and is co-hosted by 16 cities in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Mexico has secured a spot in the last-16 round.
What's confirmed:
- The 2026 FIFA World Cup is hosted by 11 cities in the United States, 3 in Mexico, and 2 in Canada.
- This is the first World Cup to include 48 teams, expanding from the previous 32-team format.
- The tournament started on June 11, 2026, and is scheduled to conclude on July 19.
- Mexico is the first country to host or co-host the World Cup three times.
- Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Erling Haaland are among the top performers and goalscorers.
Still unconfirmed:
- Soccernomics author Stefan Szymanski believes the tournament should expand to 64 teams.
- The 48-team expansion has made the tournament more inclusive without reducing competitiveness.
- The 2026 World Cup might be the best ever played based on available evidence.
- The Trionda is causing problems during the tournament.
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (18)
- 2026 World Cup: Schedule and scores - The Athletic
- 2026 FIFA World Cup - Wikipedia
- FIFA World Cup - Wikipedia
- World Cup 2026 printable bracket: Download a free Round of 32 knockout chart...
- The five biggest storylines from the 2026 FIFA World Cup so far
- Expanded World Cup is proving more is more - Yahoo Sports
- FIFA World Cup 2026 Changes: New Format, More Teams, and What It Means ...
- Is This The Best World Cup Ever Played? Still Early, But The Ball Don't ...
- World Cup: can big sports events bring us together? Recent history says ...
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2026 World Cup Expands Reach as Group Stage Progresses
The 2026 World Cup is the largest tournament in history. The second round of Group Stage games has concluded. Star players Messi, Mbappe, and Haaland are delivering high levels of performance.
What's confirmed:
- The 2026 World Cup is the largest in history.
Still unconfirmed:
- Some believe the expanded size of the tournament may not actually improve the quality of the event.
- Monday was one of the most radiant days in World Cup history regarding star power.
- Millions of people across North America are watching the tournament.
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (4)
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Debate Over 48-Team World Cup Format Continues
The 2026 men's World Cup is the largest in history with 48 teams. Some analysts believe the bracket is awkward. Early results suggest that fears of lopsided matches involving smaller teams have not fully materialized.
What's confirmed:
- The 2026 men's World Cup features 48 competing teams.
- The 2026 World Cup is the biggest in history.
Still unconfirmed:
- England has a 26-player squad under manager Thomas Tuchel.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (5)
- Larger World Cup led to criticism and predictions of lopsided affairs. The results tell a different story.
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2026 World Cup Expands to 48 Teams Amid Bracket Debate
The 2026 men's World Cup features 48 competing teams. While the tournament is underway, some analysts argue the current format creates an awkward bracket. England has finalized a 26-player squad under manager Thomas Tuchel.
What's confirmed:
- The 2026 men's World Cup features 48 teams.
- England's squad for the 2026 World Cup consists of 26 players picked by Thomas Tuchel.
Still unconfirmed:
- The tournament's increasing diversity offers lessons in cultural humility regarding identity and representation.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (7)
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Debate Intensifies Over Expanded 2026 World Cup Format
The 2026 World Cup has expanded its field, leading to a divide over whether the larger scale benefits global soccer or devalues the tournament. Teams are currently navigating a complex system of tiebreakers and third-place berths to reach the round of 32. Host cities and participants are facing significant logistical pressures due to the tournament's size.
What's confirmed:
- The 2026 World Cup has an expanded format.
- Teams can advance to the knockout rounds via third-place berths.
Still unconfirmed:
- The expansion's impact on the ground is undeniably positive.
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (15)
- A bigger World Cup is a better World Cup
- Will your team get one of the third-place berths in the World Cup? This chart has the answer
- 2026 FIFA World Cup tiebreakers: How can teams advance to the knockout rounds?
- 'FIFA's excesses are leading to the devaluation of the World Cup'
- St. John’s World Cup Expert Has Seen the Tournament Evolve, Expand
- How Many Points Will Third-Placed Teams Need to Make the World Cup Knockouts? The Opta Supercomputer Has the Answer
- World Cup 2026: Third-place standings, tiebreakers explained
- 2026 World Cup: How teams can advance to the knockout rounds
- World Cup 2026: Does three points guarantee spot in World Cup round of 32?
- This World Cup, Bigger Might Not Really Be Better
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