Great US Players…Still Waiting on World Cup Championship 

By Shane Stay

Great 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

What went well?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup was a massive success in terms of the US hosting, along with neighbors Canada and Mexico. Business was thriving, people had a great time, and it was a phenomenal outcome. Is tri-hosting the way of the future? Is that what people want? While I have strong opinions about style of play, I can’t figure this one out. Going into it, I preferred one nation hosting, but I didn’t outright hate three nations hosting. If I had to choose, I would probably say one nation is best. It’s easier to concentrate, right? We shall see.

What went not so well? 

Generally speaking, even Eric Wynalda has been critical of the US team, suggesting how we can be better on the Dan Patrick show. Wynalda’s insight, in part, revolved around player development at the youth levels. He pointed out how the rest of the world essentially “thins the herd real quick” and gets right to it. If a player isn’t great, they are told so early on so it’s not too late for them to do something else. Whereas in America, the idea is to grow the game and string players along, essentially, for financial reasons…and to grow the game for the betterment of the game. Wynalda, featured in 100 American Soccer Legends, a talented forward in his day that starred at San Diego State University and with the USMNT, seems to think growing the game is a bunch of hogwash. If I’m reading into that correctly, I would agree to an extent. The point being, growing the sport is a productive idea in that for generations Americans have gravitated more toward the Big 3: football, baseball, and basketball. From, say, the 1950s onward, we needed to grow soccer. The idea was: If we could only grow the sport more, then soccer will thrive (knowing it had to compete with the Big 3). Currently, soccer has grown and what do we have in terms of World Cup results? A-ha! Alas, we’re still in no-man’s land, save for an interesting rise to the Round of 16. Wynalda thinks he can find a group of 16 and 17-year olds to defeat the national team. I think I could find a group of St. Louis players (even Alton, IL) to defeat the national team. Essentially, Wynalda was suggesting we need to narrow down the talent pool quickly, at earlier ages, like they do in Europe, then package that product together, have them train in a similar system, and, hence, improve the national team. All right: put great players together, train them in a similar system. I see where he’s going, but we can’t just “put great players together.” We’ve been attempting that for decades. There were great players in the 1970s and 80s, for example, featured in 100 American Soccer Legends. They’ve always been there: Ricky Davis, Brent Goulet, Tab Ramos. But Wynalda and others are on the right track when they mention a “similar system.” When we put the great players together, “now what?” I still lean toward my past theories of “now what?” “Now what?” is a past, present, and future theory. For instance, on the field, when you switch the ball brilliantly, now what? When I was a youth player, coaches would say, “You’ve switched the ball brilliantly, don’t just watch, go join ’em, help out!” How? They need a coherent system. That’s where we need improvement, a better vision, a World Cup winning result.

Final word for now: The USMNT has always had 3-4 extremely talented players over the years. How can we enhance that? I believe there are 10 extremely talented players between 18-32. How can we find them? Back to me being coach. I will consider coach but I have demands. 

We’ve had massive improvements over the years, such as passing structure. A lot of credit, I believe, goes to Bob Bradley. Currently, whoever you put on the field, you’ll get a similar passing structure; that’s a good thing. The players in the 90s were just as good, but they lacked a passing structure which we’ve improved upon with Academies and the like. Though we’re still waiting on a World Cup championship. We’re still only getting to the Round of 16, for example. 

Yet, make no mistake, the United States has been, is, and will be producing great players. 100 American Soccer Legends includes players like Charlie Colombo, Frank Wallace, Christopher Sullivan, Tony Meola, to Christian Pulisic. 

There’s much more with 2030 in our sights. 

With the US looking to attain its first World Cup championship, the excitement is underway for fans as qualifications begin soon, with perhaps new players emerging for the next attempt at the ultimate prize. 

About Shane Stay

Shane Stay is a bestselling author whose books include THE World Cup 2022 Book, This is Our CITY, The Euro 2020 Book, THE Women’s World Cup 2019 Book, Major League Soccer 2019, European Soccer Leagues 2019, THE World Cup 2018 Book, Why American Soccer Isn’t There Yet, and The Cairo Project. Shane has also written stories in the genres of sport, humor, and modern culture which have appeared in various online and print publications. In 2008, he co-authored a print book, published a magazine story, bottled Leaf Dressing, worked clubs as a comedian, played professional soccer, was a restaurateur, and received a Master of Arts from Southern Illinois University. He has appeared on TV and has featured on numerous radio broadcasts, including ESPN and NPR. He lives in Chicago, Illinois.

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Spain Won! Shane Stay’s Take on the Winner of the 2026 World Cup

By Shane Stay

Spain rules the world of soccer, currently the best.

International Level

World Cup titles

2010

2026

Euro Cup titles (most all-time)

1964

2008

2012

2024

Unique Achievements

Spain won the: 

2008 Euro

2010 World Cup

2012 Euro in a row, the first to achieve that.

Spain won the: 

2024 Euro

2026 World Cup

2028 Euro, on the verge of winning that which would be unprecedented.

Club Level

Real Madrid and Barcelona

Countless world club titles.

Have set trends for elite soccer for generations.

About Shane Stay

Shane Stay is a bestselling author whose books include Your Guide to the 2026 World Cup, 100 American Legends, THE World Cup 2022 Book, This is Our CITY, The Euro 2020 Book, THE Women’s World Cup 2019 Book, Major League Soccer 2019, European Soccer Leagues 2019, THE World Cup 2018 Book, Why American Soccer Isn’t There Yet, and The Cairo Project. Shane has also written stories in the genres of sport, humor, and modern culture which have appeared in various online and print publications. In 2008, he co-authored a print book, published a magazine story, bottled Leaf Dressing, worked clubs as a comedian, played professional soccer, was a restaurateur, and received a Master of Arts from Southern Illinois University. He has appeared on TV and has featured on numerous radio broadcasts, including ESPN and NPR. He lives in Chicago, Illinois.

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The Four Year Review: America’s Quest for the Cup Continues

“What the US Did Right and Wrong in 2026”

By Shane Stay

First off, forget the 1930 World Cup where the US placed third. It’s a different era we’re focusing on now.

The US has always had good players. That’s a fact. Those players are featured in 100 American Soccer Legends. Yet, things get very fascinating as American soccer is at another crossroads.

As usual, after a high-stakes defeat, people are already starting to question what the USMNT did wrong in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It’s still more of the same. There’s a lot of patting on the back with “it was an exciting tournament!” saying we’ll build for next time. It’s the same old, same old. No? Aren’t we supposed to win a World Cup? Yes, by now, after 40 years of failure in that department, that’s the idea. We’re supposed to win a World Cup. How did it go so incredibly wrong?

Arfsten. Where was Arfsten? He comes on late in the last game? Where was Arfsten before that? What kind of organization are you running here USMNT? Should the US have started Arfsten, Scally, Zendejas, Aaronson, Weah, Pulisic, Reyna Jr. and Luca de la Torre? That’s debatable. Here’s what we saw: an interesting attempt at keeping up with Belgium, a top dog of world soccer, that ended in a 4-1 failure. There’s no other way to put it. Look, right now in American soccer there have been improvements across the board from academies to the overall structure of passing on the field; based on that, no matter what team you put forth it’s going to be competitive; the key is you have to field the right combination of players for a World Cup title. 

Let’s look at what the US did right in the 2026 World Cup. It won a few games.

It was in a group of equality: 

US 

Paraguay

Australia

Turkey

All teams were about equal, which is to say standard, middle-of-the-road teams in world soccer. The US got things going with a few wins, that was a good start. Everyone lost their mind when we defeated Paraguay and Australia, which are not world soccer powers. Then reality hit when Turkey gave it to us with a sound game that resulted in a loss for the US. Everyone kind of said: Ok, that game didn’t count. But it did count. It was reality talking. Then came the Round of 32 in which 32 teams competed. That’s a lot. Was Greenland in the Round of 32? We played Bosnia and Herzegovina. The US defeated them. In the Round of 16, a true testing ground, reality came down like a thunder bolt from Zeus as the US was outclassed by Belgium, a perennial underachiever in world soccer. That’s a fact. Belgium has never won a World Cup. Belgium has never won a European Cup. Belgium is always good, though. Belgium handed us a clean and decisive 4-1 defeat. If you’re betting money, you should consider the idea of not betting on Belgium and Portugal. For some reason, those two nations are very good but will fail in World Cups. So where does that leave the United States? Apparently, even below that level. 

To date, why is it so predictable that the USMNT will not win a World Cup? The leader of Gold Medals in the Olympics, the United States, can’t find the right formula for men’s soccer. 

This moment in time should prove that the USMNT is at another crossroads. Questions for fans. 

Why have only TWO CONTINENTS WON THE WORLD CUP? 

Why is it only Europe and South America have won a World Cup? 

Why is the United States not part of that equation?

Why is it Belgium, who has failed at winning a World Cup, defeated the US 4-1 in 2026?

Why is it the US has only reached the Quarterfinals of a World Cup once (2002)? 

Are USMNT lineup changes of immediate concern?

Will the same USMNT group stay in place for the next 10 years, producing similar results?

At the same time, here’s what’s really weird: Despite World Cup results, the US has produced great players over the years who are featured in 100 American Soccer Legends. Here’s the other weird thing: For years, the Chicago Cubs have produced great players with failed results. We’re the Chicago Cubs of international soccer. Eventually, the Chicago Cubs won the World Series in 2016. The USMNT could win the World Cup. It’s possible. As such, a lot of questions are around the corner.  

About Shane Stay

Shane Stay is a bestselling author whose books include THE World Cup 2022 Book, This is Our CITY, The Euro 2020 Book, THE Women’s World Cup 2019 Book, Major League Soccer 2019, European Soccer Leagues 2019, THE World Cup 2018 Book, Why American Soccer Isn’t There Yet, and The Cairo Project. Shane has also written stories in the genres of sport, humor, and modern culture which have appeared in various online and print publications. In 2008, he co-authored a print book, published a magazine story, bottled Leaf Dressing, worked clubs as a comedian, played professional soccer, was a restaurateur, and received a Master of Arts from Southern Illinois University. He has appeared on TV and has featured on numerous radio broadcasts, including ESPN and NPR. He lives in Chicago, Illinois

The post The Four Year Review: America’s Quest for the Cup Continues appeared first on Cardinal Publishers Group.

Round of 16

USMNT vs. Belgium: A Look Ahead

By Shane Stay

The USMNT vs. Belgium is going to be huge! A quick recap. Let’s see. 

USMNT vs. Paraguay

Group Stage

4-1

USMNT vs. Australia

Group Stage

2-0

USMNT vs. Turkey

Group Stage

2-3

The last group game for the USMNT was against Turkey. 

At this point, the US should have gotten past Turkey with a strong showing, right? Well, the US played well but so too did Turkey. It was the Turkey that everyone was expecting early in the tournament, yet it failed to impress; however, Turkey showed what it was all about with a 3-2 win over hosts US in front of a lively LA crowd that also saw Owen Wilson, Brad Pitt, to name a few.  

The US had wins prior against Paraguay and Australia. Should US fans be concerned though? Had things been too easy? 

After all, it was a very equal group…each team was evenly matched. There was no real “soccer giant” in the mix, like Argentina or Germany. Some people decided to reserve judgement for a tougher opponent to see what the US is really all about. Having said that, the team was flying with wins over Paraguay and Australia. The fan base got excited. At that point, could it continue with that momentum against Turkey and into the Elimination Rounds? That was the big question. 

Indeed, some questions were answered as the US played well but couldn’t hold off a late winner by Turkey.

USMNT vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina

Round of 32

2-0

As for the Round of 32: this is new. The tournament has a record 48 teams. Hence, we have a Round of 32 as it’s currently constructed. As for the opponent, the USMNT showed a lot of excitement for a win against Bosnia.

USMNT vs. Belgium

Round 16

Very soon! Millions are anticipating this one!

With quick wing play, such as from Pulisic, the US has the ability to keep opponents on guard. It should be a different kind of game against experienced Belgium, with no room for error. Watch out! However, I’m not completely sold on this Belgian team. In fact, the US looks a little better at this point. That might be enough with help from the home crowd.

A couple things though. Why not Weah? He was one of my featured players in Your Guide to the 2026 World Cup and I stand by him as a clear and obvious starter. Why not Aaronson? Why not Zendejas? These are interesting questions to ask as the US takes the field. With somewhat easy wins over Paraguay and Australia you might think the best 11 are out there. That’s the opinion of the coach. With a win over a quicker Bosnian side, the US kept the momentum going. Yet, I’m certain Weah, Aaronson, Zendejas, and Reyna should be starting with Pulisic. That might be a topic for another time as the US takes on Belgium. Though, as many predict the US will run out of steam these starting lineup questions might again crop up as fans contemplate a formula for winning a World Cup.

About Shane Stay

Shane Stay is a bestselling author whose books include THE World Cup 2022 Book, This is Our CITY, The Euro 2020 Book, THE Women’s World Cup 2019 Book, Major League Soccer 2019, European Soccer Leagues 2019, THE World Cup 2018 Book, Why American Soccer Isn’t There Yet, and The Cairo Project. Shane has also written stories in the genres of sport, humor, and modern culture which have appeared in various online and print publications. In 2008, he co-authored a print book, published a magazine story, bottled Leaf Dressing, worked clubs as a comedian, played professional soccer, was a restaurateur, and received a Master of Arts from Southern Illinois University. He has appeared on TV and has featured on numerous radio broadcasts, including ESPN and NPR. He lives in Chicago, Illinois

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World Cup 2026 Predictions!

By Shane Stay

Approximately two weeks in, let’s have some predictions.

1 Argentina

2 Spain

3 England

Argentina

One problem for Argentina is that it got off to a fantastic start. That’s hard to live up to. A 3-0 hat trick from Messi? What happens when things don’t go its way? Will Argentina have the wherewithal to persevere? Sometimes, like Spain losing to Switzerland 1-0 in 2010, it’s good to take a defeat. However, Argentina is off and running. The team that I think will win it all in 2026: Argentina. The rhythm, passing, and confidence is present. It’s a real defending champ that others need to topple to have a shot at winning the whole thing. Good luck with that. 

Spain

Can’t ignore Spain. That’s my second pick. With a strong passing unit, as usual Spain is going to present huge questions for opponents that become bewildered by brilliance, accuracy, and relentless professionalism. 

England

Watch out for England. This might be its year. After a week of games, I’m convinced that England, along with Spain and Argentina, are my top three teams. While I’m going with Argentina, you can count on England to make a strong run in the tournament and I’d be surprised if the English don’t make the semi-finals. Harry Kane is a scoring threat that others have to stop, and that’s a tricky task. 

Brazil

At this point, I have to abandon my pre-tournament vibe about Brazil. I’d like Brazil to win it all, as I’m a fan, but it doesn’t look like that will occur. Still very possible, don’t get me wrong, but Brazil is looking for a spark. Keep in mind, Brazil is not what most people expect. It is disappointing for the standards of Brazil. “Where’s the flair?” I’ve heard. 

All the same, I’m not giving up on Brazil as champs. 

France

France is good but I’m seeing an elimination around the quarterfinals. 

Germany

Germany is tantalizingly strong. I’m not forgetting Germany this time around even though it’s not a “great” German team, as compared with others in the past like, say, the 1990 powerhouse group. Having said that, Germany is finding a good flow in possession with good passes up front by Undav that are helping things come together.

All in all, Argentina would be the top pick right now. Having said that, there’s much more around the corner. 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

About Shane Stay

Shane Stay is a bestselling author whose books include Your Guide to the 20206 World Cup, 100 American Soccer Legends, THE World Cup 2022 Book, This is Our CITY, The Euro 2020 Book, THE Women’s World Cup 2019 Book, Major League Soccer 2019, European Soccer Leagues 2019, THE World Cup 2018 Book, Why American Soccer Isn’t There Yet, and The Cairo Project. Shane has also written stories in the genres of sport, humor, and modern culture which have appeared in various online and print publications. In 2008, he co-authored a print book, published a magazine story, bottled Leaf Dressing, worked clubs as a comedian, played professional soccer, was a restaurateur, and received a Master of Arts from Southern Illinois University. He has appeared on TV and has featured on numerous radio broadcasts, including ESPN and NPR. He lives in Chicago, Illinois

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Group D 

US Has a Challenge with Australia

By Shane Stay

United States – Turkey – Australia – Paraguay

The United States is in perhaps the most even group of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

It’s over, the US had its first game against Paraguay: victory.

To be fair, Paraguay played hard and had moments. While Paraguay was extremely disappointing against the US, it’s still an even group. How can you predict any of these? From the outset, the US and Turkey winning the group is a good bet. On the other hand, you could easily go with the US and Australia or perhaps Turkey and Australia. It’s up in the air. (Paraguay, as a competitive side, could make a comeback but don’t count on it.)

Certainly the US has home field advantage. 

The US did very well against Paraguay in its first game, winning 4-1. 

The upcoming game for the US against Australia will be telling. June 19, 2026. That’s a big one. The place will be rocking as it takes place in Seattle, one of the best (and loudest) places for a game anywhere in North America. 

Then it’s Turkey, which is right around the corner. Turkey has a strong team with attacking talent that should keep coaches on their toes. However the US does against Australia, it will have a tough challenge with the speedy Turkey. It will be must-see TV for US soccer fans. 

But first things first as Australia is a top team from Asia. Not traditionally a soccer power, Australia has become a strong program in the past 20 years or so. With a deliberate effort to make soccer a priority, the Aussies have organization, strong passing combinations, composure, and confident players that will present many challenges for an excited US group. 

It’s not too late to get your copy of Your Guide to the 2026 World Cup by Shane Stay, published by Meyer & Meyer Sport. Order today here!

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Spring is a time of newness of life, and we are in the heart of it. Everywhere you look you see new blooms, baby fowls, a warm up in the weather, spring cleaning, and garden weeding. The itch is in us all to shake off the winter dust and start our warm weather activities. For some it is undertaking a sports adventure. Cardinal Publishers Group has sports books for spring.

Try Something New

If you are ready to try something new, there is a book for you in our sports section. We have listed three great books to lead and direct you properly in a certain sport.

Do the Same Thing or Change Things Up

You may not want to veer from what has worked for you so far. There are books that will certainly help secure your path. However, you may be ready to do something new. We have books that will help you get started.

Let’s Check them Out

In this article, there is something for runners, rowers, and triathletes.

Did we miss a sport you would like to learn more about? Please leave a comment to let us know what to feature here.

Running for Life – Running Until You’re 100 – Jeff Galloway 

Jeff Galloway’s expert advice for running into your golden years is found in the pages of Running Until You’re 100. This is a new updated edition to keep up with the new and changing things in the running world. Running Until You’re 100 offers step-by-step programs designed to adjust to the needs of mature runners.

Jeff was the creator of the Run Walk Run® method, which has a more than 98% success rate. In this method, you combine running and walking in intervals. This aids in enjoying the activity without the risk of injury.

Before his passing, Jeff left us with a rich wealth of information on how to run injury-free, how to make the most out of running, how to get started, and even the best way to walk.

Row Your Boat – Master Rowing for the Modern Rower – Manu G. Aramendi

Rowing is another sport that offers health benefits. Some people row for the leisure experience and joy of flowing through a waterway. Some people row for the thrill of racing through the water with the hope of achieving a win. No matter why one wants to row, it takes working together to make the practice successful. It requires a mix of physical involvement, mental strength, and rowing technique. Masters rowers must be sure that their rowing techniques are practiced methodically and carefully to prevent injuries. Masters Rowing for the Modern Rower goes over the history of rowing, the sport of rowing, the type of training and training zones, common injuries as they relate to rowing, in addition to different training skills and the knowledge of international competitions.

This guide is perfect for those who compete and those who just love to row.

Triathlon for Anyone! – Unlocking the Triathlon – Hilary Topper

You want to take the plunge and go for a triathlon challenge, but you don’t know where to start. We have the answer for you! In Unlocking the Triathlon, former couch potato turned triathlete, Hilary Topper, gives you training plans, training basics, tips on nutrition, and direction on gear. As a new triathlete, you will be prepared and confident to enter the triathlon. She helps you find the motivation to stay with it and see the competition like a champion.

This book helps you get started on your triathlon adventure. Don’t wait. Get started now.

The books listed above are published by Meyer & Meyer Sport and are only three of hundreds of sports books distributed by Cardinal Publishers Group. You can see more titles that may fit your needs or desires in our shop.

If you would like to place an order or have any questions, you can contact us here. If you would like to know more about our distribution services, you can find information here.

Happy Reading ~~ Ginger Bock

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The Best Saint Patrick’s Day

One of the most fun and memorable Saint Patrick’s Days I ever had was when I was able to secure a seat for bestselling author James Alexander Thom as a Dignitary in the Indianapolis Saint Patrick’s Day Parade. His historical fiction novels are a page-turning blend of history, action, adventure, and purpose. His novel Saint Patrick’s Battalion was the reason he had a place in this parade.

On that day, the main streets were blocked off and driving to our destination was tricky. Thankfully, our fearless leader, Tom Doherty, handled driving. He was used to driving through swarming traffic.

It was a warm March 17^th; a perfect day for a parade, and the right temperature for running up and down the sidewalks and lawns to follow James and his wife Dark Rain as they rode down the parade route in the convertible set aside for them waving at an excited crowd. Tom was busy shooting photos while I just made sure everything on our end ran correctly. Though, this doesn’t make for an action-packed story, the day couldn’t have flowed smoother. There was, however the moment just before the book signing I was going to get everyone coffee, tripped over a lump in the carpet, danced across the floor – while holding the tray of coffee, and regained my balance without losing a drop of coffee.  Whew, I’m glad no one was recording that little incident (well, maybe it happened and maybe it didn’t).

After the parade, a full day of visiting stores, book signings, meeting journalists, and keeping organized ensued. It was one of those days that I will always remember with a smile.

Here are some of the books that James Alexander Thom penned:

Saint Patrick’s Battalion

Fire in the Water

Once Upon a Time It was Now

Follow the River

Happy Reading ~~ Ginger Bock

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The 2026 FIFA World Cup Cities

By Shane Stay

Here you go soccer fans, the 2026 FIFA World Cup map:

The 2026 FIFA World Cup could be the best one ever, literally. I’m looking forward to it. Over a billion—people and maybe well-trained pets—are looking forward to it. Hold on a sec. Let’s just go over a quick little slight thing…It’s just a second, it really won’t be that big-a-deal.

It goes without saying, there’s something interesting with this map. Why’s there only one in the middle? Yeah, right. There’s 3 on the East Coast, where Bob Bradley is sipping tea, Princeton sweater on, with a painting of a yacht on the wall. Listen, listen to me yacht fella, put your tasty beverage down. “What?” Did you say what? Say what again! Say what again! I dare you, I double…And those 3 are right next to each other? Huh? What? You can scratch Boston or Philly from that list, duh. New York, Philly would work. Atlanta, yes. Miami, yes. Dallas and Houston? Pick one. I’d go with Dallas. Seattle, yes. SF, where I owned a restaurant, sure, I guess, it gives me a chance to mention Vine & Barrel. LA, where I grew up—in part—with family, I guess. But let’s go to the middle bit. Just Kansas City? Really? Really??? No Detroit, Chicago, or St. Louis as a second? Oh ok, yeah that makes sense. Yeah, that makes a lot of sense, no, I get it: Because St. Louis and Chicago have nothing to do with the history of soccer in America. They really don’t. Everyone knows that. Especially St. Louis, the capitol of soccer in America. Realistically, delete Houston—they might not notice—from the list and add either St. Louis or Chicago. No, I’m not saying this as a native of St. Louis and one who’s lived in Chicago. For argument’s sake, let’s just say I live in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. I don’t but just imagine maybe I do…right by the place where Rockefeller had secret UFO meetings. When I buy groceries, I say hi to all the locals. Over there. Even then, I’d still be noticing one in the middle, because…it’s weird. As someone else told me, it’s weird. Only one in the middle?

An example. Just a reminder: Many moons ago, when NCAA DI soccer in America was essentially a pro league, St. Louis University gathered 10 championships, still the record. So, all of it makes sense except for 3 huddled together on the East Coast and 2 in the Lone Star state. Seriously? I would also suggest this: Since Chicago hosted in 1994, have St. Louis and Kansas City host in 2026. Therefore, Houston’s back in the mix. Houston’s back, baby! You like that, Houston? You feel better? But then again, what do I know? I’m just a guy with a picture of Giresse on the wall. Now that’s weird.

You can pre-order your copy of Shane’s new book, Your Guide to the 2026 World Cup 

About the Author

Shane Stay is a bestselling author whose books include 100 American Soccer Legends, This Is Our CITY, THE World Cup 2022 Book, The Euro 2020 Book, European Soccer Leagues 2019, Major League Soccer 2019, THE Women’s World Cup 2019 Book, THE World Cup 2018 Book, Why American Soccer Isn’t There Yet, and The Cairo Project. In 2008, he played professional soccer, coauthored a print book, published a magazine story, bottled Leaf Dressing, worked clubs as a comedian, was a restaurateur, and received a Master of Arts from Southern Illinois University. In 1999, he founded the first online Current Events Game (CE Game). He has appeared on TV and has featured on numerous radio broadcasts including ESPN and NPR. He lives in Chicago, Illinois.

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CONCACAF Gold Cup 

2025

Final

Houston, Texas

Attendance: Around 70,000

USMNT vs. Mexico

The top two teams of CONCACAF met in the final of the 2025 Gold Cup. 

Some fans predict the USMNT will have a strong performance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while others say it will not escape its group in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

Some fans predict Mexico will have a great year in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

I’ve already been told by someone, the US has a low chance of escaping its World Cup group next year. 

Based on the final of the 2025 Gold Cup, let’s wait and see. Ahem. Nonetheless, the two are great rivals. All in all, it was an exciting game. Mexico fielded a 16-year-old, Mora. The US had a talented veteran defender, Tim Ream. 

How’d the game go in actuality?

Ream is a quality defender for the US, one that excels at possession from the back. However, it just wasn’t clicking so well throughout the game. 

The first half essentially went to Mexico. Let’s just say, possession-wise it was pretty much all Mexico. 

Whoever can win possession over the long run, is likely going to do okay. That’s the idea, anyway. Things ended 1-1 in the first half. 

As for the second half, Mexico seemed to have the better play and carried away a 2-1 victory with a goal from team leader Edson Alvarez. The win for Mexico was accompanied by a roaring crowd. 

For the time being, Mexico is king of CONCACAF.

As for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, in which both nations will be hosting (along with Canada), it will be interesting. 

Get Shane’s newest book, 100 American Soccer Legends today!

About Shane Stay

Shane Stay is a bestselling author whose books include THE World Cup 2022 Book, This is Our CITY, The Euro 2020 Book, THE Women’s World Cup 2019 Book, Major League Soccer 2019, European Soccer Leagues 2019, THE World Cup 2018 Book, Why American Soccer Isn’t There Yet, and The Cairo Project. Shane has also written stories in the genres of sport, humor, and modern culture which have appeared in various online and print publications. In 2008, he co-authored a print book, published a magazine story, bottled Leaf Dressing, worked clubs as a comedian, played professional soccer, was a restaurateur, and received a Master of Arts from Southern Illinois University. He has appeared on TV and has featured on numerous radio broadcasts, including ESPN and NPR. He lives in Chicago, Illinois.

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