Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
Sport
Graham Ruthven

USMNT’s World Cup, Arsenal’s title challenge and Real’s power struggle: soccer questions for 2026

Soccer Xabi Alonso Arsenal Real Madrid World Cup Mikel Arteta Fifa Gianni Infantino Mauricio Pochettino EPL
United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino along the sidelines during the second half against a during an international friendly at Dick's Sporting Goods Park on October 14, 2025 in Commerce City, Colorado.
USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino faces big expectations along with his team for the 2026 World Cup. Photograph: John Dorton/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images

How will the US (the soccer team and the country) fare at the 2026 World Cup?

You may have heard there’s a World Cup this year. After all the debate about ticket prices and peace prizes and cooling breaks, an actual soccer tournament will kick off. That’s when the US, both as a national team and a host nation, will truly be judged; when the 2026 World Cup will be deemed a soaring success or a grotesque failure. There will be no in between. No nuance. That vanished from public discourse a long time ago.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
About 40% of High School Students Reported Binge Eating in the Past Month in First CDC Survey Data
The CDC's 2025 Youth Risk Behavior Survey found 40.5% of high school students binge ate in the past month, and 17.2% did so on three or more days.
Medical Daily
Medical Daily
Kick Ban After Dog Video: Lavlune faces backlash over pet clip; platform stays silent on reason
Lavlune, also known as FoidElf, was banned from Kick after a video involving her dog drew widespread criticism. MoistCr1TiKaL criticized her actions, while Lavlune denied his description of the incident. Reddit users shared mixed reactions to the ban, with some supporting the decision and others questioning whether it would be…
The Times of India
The Times of India
Why Does Your Skin Look Flawless in One Light but Dull in Another?
From bathroom mirrors and dressing rooms to selfies and makeup counters, lighting can dramatically influence how your complexion appears. The reason lies in how different light sources interact with your skin, colour perception and the shadows created by your facial features. So, why does your skin look different under yellow…
MyLifeXP
MyLifeXP
Canada woman buys Snickers and Twix for Halloween. Then she holds a bar up to her hand and notices the size: ‘This is a package of air’
Another case of shrinkflation
We Got This Covered
We Got This Covered
17% of Young Adults Have Gone Into Debt to Date — How Much Is Romance Costing Now?
Finding love has never been free, but dating costs are becoming a serious financial concern for younger Americans. A September 2026 survey found that 17% of Gen Z and millennials have taken on debt to maintain a lifestyle with someone they were dating. Between restaurant bills, transportation, entertainment, and appearance-related…
Budget and the Bees
Budget and the Bees
California cement worker turned discarded bottles into 200 desert art trees along Route 66
California cement worker Elmer Long transformed discarded glass bottles and scrap metal into an unusual art forest along Route 66. His two-acre Bottle Tree Ranch, featuring around 200 trees and over 1,000 bottles, became a popular tourist attraction. As Route 66 celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2026, Long's family continues…
The Times of India
The Times of India
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.
Download on the AppStore Get it on Google Play