<figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-360487" src="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Soccer-in-the-United-States.jpg" alt="4th most popular sport" width="1200" height="882" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/12/Soccer-in-the-United-States.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/12/Soccer-in-the-United-States-300x221.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/12/Soccer-in-the-United-States-600x441.jpg 600w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/12/Soccer-in-the-United-States-150x110.jpg 150w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/12/Soccer-in-the-United-States-768x564.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure>
Indisputably, soccer is the world’s most-popular sport. But is it the 4th most popular sport in the United States?
The beautiful thing about soccer is that it extends beyond just one league. Taken as a whole, the sport is bigger than ever before. In spite of this, it is no secret that MLS pales in comparison to the major European Leagues. Those leagues have devout fanbases stateside. Having said that, Liga MX garners even more support than MLS and the Premier League.
For instance, in 2018, the Liga MX final pulled in almost <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2018/12/20/liga-mx-dominates-us-with-4-million-viewers-for-america-cruz-azul-final-on-univision/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">5 million viewers</a> combined over two legs. Each game averaged around 2.5 million viewers, more than MLS. Such is the nature of the diverse culture persisting in the United States.
As stated above, European leagues also rake in consistently large numbers. For example, the Premier League, the most-followed European league in the U.S., averages numbers that rival American leagues. Over the last three seasons, the Premier League averaged roughly 450,000 viewers per game. While the <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/bradadgate/2021/07/21/the-2020-21-nba-season-in-review-and-a-look-ahead/?sh=dd93923518a3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NBA</a> and NFL pull in larger audiences, these are national broadcasts on primetime that we get the numbers for. It is important to consider things like kickoff times, broadcast locations and overlapping fixtures when looking at Premier League viewership.
READ MORE: <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2021/09/18/how-kickoff-times-influence-soccer-viewership-in-the-u-s/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">How kickoff times influence soccer viewership in the U.S.</a>
This also ties into the growth. The NFL and NBA over the aforementioned period of time showed dropping audiences. While the Premier League viewership in the U.S. dipped in 2020/21, there is consistent developments over the last decade.
Yes, the beauty of soccer is that it extends beyond one league. However, it also makes it more difficult to compare it against other sports. If Liga MX, Premier League, MLS and LaLiga numbers were combined into one soccer “entity,” how would it compare? And what metrics would be used to compare the popularity? TV viewing numbers alone aren’t enough. It’s a combination of various metrics.
Let’s take a closer look.
<h3>How Soccer is the 4th most popular sport</h3>
Ask most Americans on the street to name the top four sports in this country. Chances are it will be the same answer. Football, basketball, baseball and hockey. 
We have heard that same top four so many times that it is ingrained in our sports culture. For instance, watch any sports talking heads show on ESPN, FOX or a different broadcaster. That top four list of football, basketball, baseball and hockey is again beaten into our brains. Not surprisingly, soccer is largely ignored on these shows.
However, what they —&nbsp;and many fútbol fans —&nbsp;may not realize is that soccer has eclipsed hockey. Soccer is the fourth most favorite sport to watch among American adults, <a href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/224864/football-americans-favorite-sport-watch.aspx" rel="noopener" target="_blank">according to Gallup</a>. Not only that, but soccer is breathing down the neck of baseball. In that same Gallup poll, baseball’s two percent lead over soccer is the slimmest margin that a third spot has held over fourth in the last 20 years.
Furthermore, the <a href="https://frontofficesports.com/mlb-looks-to-grow-its-younger-fanbase/#:~:text=MLB%20has%20the%20oldest%20fans,49%2C%20and%2050%2C%20respectively." rel="noopener" target="_blank">average age of a baseball fan</a> is 57 and rising. With soccer, <a href="https://www.giltedgesoccer.com/industry-stats/average-age-of-soccer-fans-in-america/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">it’s 35</a>. In the same manner, nearly 70 percent of soccer fans in America are younger than 40 years old.
Moreover, <a href="http://sportspath.typepad.com/files/soccer-popularity-continues-to-climb.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">soccer is the second most popular sport</a> in the United States among Americans aged 12-24. Baseball ranks number five among that age group.
Just as important, soccer is making huge gains among Hispanic Americans and younger viewers. Firstly, soccer is the most popular sport among Hispanic Americans aged 12-24. Secondly, the sport of soccer is also increasingly popular among Americans aged 6-17. In fact, <a href="https://twitter.com/SamWalkers/status/395926973916008449" target="_blank" rel="noopener">eleven percent of the TV audience who watch Premier League soccer on NBCSN are kids 6-17</a>, compared to only 4.6% of World Series audience, 9.4% of NBA Conference Finals audience and 9% of NHL Conference Finals.
What these numbers tell us is that soccer has broken the top four glass ceiling. It is now the 4th most popular sport. Equally important, soccer will become the third most popular sport in the near future.
In fact, LAFC lead managing owner Larry Berg <a href="https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/02/27/lafc-lead-managing-owner-larry-berg-mls-will-surpass-nhl-mlb-10-years">boasted this in 2020</a>: “I think [MLS] definitely have the demographics in our favor in terms of youth and diversity. I think we’ll pass baseball and hockey to be the number three sport in the U.S. behind football and basketball.”
<h3>Playing the game</h3>
The global nature of soccer and its relative ease of access means it persists in other avenues as well.
For example, simply playing the sport. There are a multitude of reasons that children in the United States avoid certain sports. Concussions largely push parents and children away from American football. Soccer is not immune to that, perhaps that is why we see <a href="https://usclubsoccer.org/head-injuries/#:~:text=More%20specifically%2C%20these%20players%20shall,which%20individual%20consideration%20is%20needed." target="_blank" rel="noopener">modified regulations regarding heading</a> for children in youth soccer.
Comparatively, soccer ranks third in terms of <a href="https://www.aspenprojectplay.org/state-of-play-2020/ages-13-17" target="_blank" rel="noopener">most-popular team sports for children</a> aged 13 to 17. Basketball and Baseball are the only two higher, with soccer edging out tackle football. The one caveat is that the survey, conducted by the Aspen Institute, is that flag football and tackle football are counted separately. Combined, American football ranks third.
Soccer may sit behind baseball, basketball and football, but it is comfortably in front of ice hockey, field hockey and lacrosse. Lacrosse and soccer are certainly growing among American youth. However, as things stand, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2020/07/10/why-soccer-is-bigger-than-hockey-in-the-united-states/">soccer is firmly the 4th most popular sport</a> in terms of popularity.
Baseball is slipping, in more ways than one. As <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2020/07/10/why-soccer-is-bigger-than-hockey-in-the-united-states/">Aram Gumusyan reports</a>:
<blockquote>Baseball is becoming more of a regional sport than a national sport. The World Series was once the 2nd-most watched team sports championship in America. But the <a href="https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/nba-finals-ratings-viewership-history/">NBA Finals</a> average audience beat the <a href="https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/world-series-ratings-historical-chart/">World Series</a> in 9 of the past 10 years.</blockquote>
<h5>Quantity of soccer games a big factor</h5>
According to <a href="https://nielsensports.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Nielsen-How-the-Worlds-Biggest-Sports-Properties-Engaged-Fans-in-2020.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nielsen</a>, soccer garnered the most engagements based on traditional and digital viewership. For example, among each major sports league, soccer occupied four of the top-five leagues in terms of broadcast hours. Due to soccer’s enormous and diverse fanbase, LaLiga, the Premier League, the Bundesliga and the Champions League pushed out more content than almost any other sports league. The one exception came from the NBA, which sat in third in terms of broadcast hours.
Digitally, soccer leagues remain at the top. In terms of followers, the Champions League, LaLiga and the Premier League rank in the top-four. Once again, the NBA reaches the number-three spot in the rankings.
However, while these leagues dominate in terms of follower count or broadcast hours, they remain relatively average in terms of growth. Of course, it is hard to grow a league that already has an extensive reach.
<h5>MLS making a difference too</h5>
One league going under relatively strong growth is Major League Soccer.
Generally, American populations look at MLS as a subpar league, something not up to the standard of the European game. Ergo, smaller crowds show up, less people care about in on social media and it warrants less recognition than other sports.
In the United States, there is a traditional big-four. The National Football League, the National Basketball Association, Major League Baseball and the National Hockey League are widespread leagues that receive considerable followings.
Historically, sure, these are the four most popular leagues in the United States. Few would argue with the pedigree of the NFL, the NBA and Major League Baseball. However, in the modern era, soccer edges hockey as the fourth member of that illustrious club in the United States. 
<h3>MLS influence on 4th most popular sport?</h3>
It can be hard for soccer in the United States to compare with such a drastically different timeline. The NBA began 75 years ago. The NFL, or at least the leagues that became the NFL, started just over 100 years ago. The NHL played its first season not long before then at 103 years ago. Major League Baseball holds the honor of being the oldest league, starting way back in 1903. However, the National League dates back 27 years before then.
Comparatively, Major League Soccer is young. While other leagues came and went, notably the National American Soccer League, Major League Soccer continues to grow. Starting in just 1996, MLS was the new league established after the 1994 World Cup in the United States.
Despite its public-thought not living up to the popularity of its competitors, the league has a solid, and growing home, across the country.
In fact, if we use the same Nielsen ratings as before, we see the MLS is actually one of the world’s, not just the country’s most popular leagues. Moreover, it shows that the MLS is fast-approaching the National Hockey League. First off, the cumulative reach of different leagues favors the NHL. Comparatively, the NHL has a cumulative reach of 359 million. However, according to Nielsen, 55 percent of that reach comes from China, where the NHL leads all U.S. events.
Personally, I cannot explain that phenomenon. The <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/09/sports/basketball/nba-china-cctv.html#:~:text=China%20Central%20Television%2C%20a%20state,in%20Hong%20Kong%20last%20fall.&amp;text=China%20Central%20Television%2C%20the%20state,it%20would%20televise%20an%20N.B.A.&amp;text=expressed%20holiday%20blessings%20to%20Chinese%20fans." target="_blank" rel="noopener">NBA’s circumstances with China</a> prevented the league from airing in the country for the 2020 season. Certainly, that contributed to the NBA’s low reach, and perhaps it expanded that of the NHL.
In terms of broadcast hours, the MLS exceeds the NHL despite having less teams and less games played per season.
<h5>Growth</h5>
It is great having large numbers, but executives and fans alike still want more. Whether that be more fans following teams or more games played, there is seemingly endless potential.
Fortunately for American soccer fans, MLS shows considerable growth over the last decade. Entering the 2019 season, MLS experienced a <a href="https://www.nielsen.com/us/en/insights/article/2018/gaining-ground-major-league-soccer-popularity-in-the-us/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">27% rise in interest</a> since 2012, according to Nielsen Sports Sponsorlink. Moreover, <a href="https://blog.koresoftware.com/blog/looking-at-mls-attendance-over-the-years" target="_blank" rel="noopener">stadium attendance continues to rise</a>. Since 2009, the average attendance of MLS games jumped by over 6,000 up to 2017. Similarly, the average percentage of capacity during MLS games moved from 70% to 93% on that same span.
<h5>Top-four league in the U.S.?</h5>
If we base popularity on capacity at stadiums, MLS would rank second or third behind the NFL and MLB. Of course, that is only because these two sports take place outside. As a result, the relatively smaller, indoor capacities of NBA and NHL are a reason why they are not higher.
A better look would be at average capacity percentage. As seen previously, the average percentage capacity entering the 2019 MLS season was 88.3 percent. Clubs like Atlanta United and Orlando City, both of which are relatively young clubs, helps that trend. Comparatively, the NHL averaged 96.1 percent capacity in 2019/20, the <a href="http://www.espn.com/nfl/attendance/_/year/2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NFL hit 95.15 percent</a>, <a href="http://www.espn.com/nba/attendance/_/year/2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NBA at 95.2</a> and MLB struggled to just <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2019/08/08/mlb-attendance-stadiums-future/1941614001/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">66 percent capacity</a>.
Few would argue MLB is smaller than MLS. There is so much more than stadium capacity that goes in to popularity. For instance, the 2020 World Series represented the <a href="https://www.boston.com/sports/mlb/2020/10/28/world-series-tv-ratings-fox-low/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">least-watched Fall Classic</a> over the last near-60 years. The six games between the Tampa Bay Rays and Los Angeles Dodgers yielded an average TV audience of 11.35 million people in the United States. The NHL, generally considered the smallest of the big-four leagues in the U.S., pulled in an average of <a href="https://www.sportspromedia.com/news/stanley-cup-final-tv-ratings-nbc-tampa-bay-lightning-dallas-stars/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2.15 million viewers</a> as the Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Dallas Stars in six games. On the other hand, the 2020 MLS Cup Final brought in <a href="https://www.sportspromedia.com/news/mls-cup-final-tv-ratings-viewers-fox-unimas/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">1.071 million viewers</a> on FOX. Moreover, that number shows a 30 percent jump from the 2019 final.
Right now, MLS may not be as big as the other four leagues. That’s fair, but that is not necessarily the aim of this story.
Rather, soccer as a&nbsp;sport is bigger than hockey in the United States. In conclusion, it is officially the 4th most popular sport. Baseball, watch out.
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Soccer surpasses NHL as 4th most popular sport in United States

Soccer is now the 4th most popular sport in the United States despite the 'big four' American sports leagues dominating the headlines.

Soccer surpasses NHL as 4th most popular sport in United States - World Soccer Talk

<figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-357855" src="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/human-rights-violations-in-qatar.jpg" alt="human rights violations in Qatar" width="1000" height="609" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/human-rights-violations-in-qatar.jpg 1000w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/human-rights-violations-in-qatar-300x183.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/human-rights-violations-in-qatar-600x365.jpg 600w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/human-rights-violations-in-qatar-150x91.jpg 150w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/human-rights-violations-in-qatar-768x468.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/human-rights-violations-in-qatar-223x137.jpg 223w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px"></figure>
One year before the first whistle blows, controversy mars the world’s most-famous sporting event. Qatar 2022 holds significance for a number of reasons, many of which come at the expense of the nation and its government.
For example, the issue of slavery and the construction of the modern stadiums has resulted in <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2021/feb/23/revealed-migrant-worker-deaths-qatar-fifa-world-cup-2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener">6,500 deaths</a> for migrant workers. Generally speaking, human rights in Qatar fail to live up to the standards of other developed nations across the world. Despite this, many of those nations’ citizens plan to travel to Doha next November to watch the tournament.
Of course, we could also break down the issues for players competing in the midst of their club seasons. The sheer number of games players expose themselves to is not healthy.
However, those issues pale in comparison to the greater human rights violations in Qatar surrounding the World Cup. News outlets cover these incidents, but there is a dilemma for sports broadcasters covering the event.
People argue to keep politics out of sports, which is inherently challenging due to the intertwining of international relations and a tournament like the World Cup. Moreover, the human rights violations in Qatar are near-indisputable.
We sit one year away from the tournament, taking place for the first time in winter months of November and December. TV broadcasters are starting to plan out their coverage and promotion of the event.
In the United States, FOX and Telemundo will have coverage, both of which will have crews live from Doha. Both of these organizations have the responsibility to discuss the issues happening in Qatar. If not, it seems as if they are complacent to the accounts of corruption, slavery and inhumane migrant worker conditions.
<h3>The relative silence of TV broadcasters</h3>
FOX and Telemundo paid a <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/22/sports/soccer/fox-and-telemundo-win-us-rights-to-2018-and-2022-world-cups.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">combined $1 billion</a> for the rights to the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. Any investment with that much money incurs risk, especially if the United States or Mexico fail to qualify for the World Cup.
Of course, the World Cup does pull in monster numbers for even when two teams relatively unaffiliated with the United States play. The 2018 World Cup Final between France and Croatia topped at <a href="https://www.foxsports.com/presspass/latest-news/2018/07/16/fifa-world-cup-final-fox-peaks-nearly-15-million-viewers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">15 million viewers</a> on FOX.
Going deeper into the tournament’s coverage, posts on FOX’s streaming and social media platforms garnered over 550 million views. The World Cup games dominated the male target audience. However, the afternoon time slots from Russia may have helped.
On Telemundo’s side, the World Cup Final in 2018 pulled in roughly 5,320,000 viewers on the linear channel. Surely, additional viewers streamed the game via digital.
Millions of Americans watch these games, that much is not in doubt. Therefore, the broadcasters have an obligation to discuss the human rights violations in Qatar during their World Cup 2022 coverage. It is their duty as the broadcasters to inform the audience. To ignore the human rights abuses would be a disservice to the viewer.
<figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-357434 size-full" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20211122_CMS_357550_telemundo-qatar_6183d002.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" width="1200" height="675" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/telemundo-qatar.jpeg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/telemundo-qatar-300x169.jpeg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/telemundo-qatar-600x338.jpeg 600w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/telemundo-qatar-150x84.jpeg 150w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/telemundo-qatar-768x432.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure>
<h5></h5>
<h5>Telemundo</h5>
In a press conference last week with U.S. reporters, Telemundo discussed its plans for coverage. Among the talking points, Telemundo brought up its coverage of games with a studio show live from Doha, relative ease of getting around in a one-city World Cup and the fact that commentators could be calling multiple games per day live from the stadiums.
Those stadiums, all newly constructed ahead of the World Cup, are among the points of controversy at the 2022 World Cup. Telemundo Deportes President Ray Warren commented on how Telemundo will deal with their coverage of human rights violations in Qatar.
<blockquote>“We’re not a news organization, we’re a sports organization… we go wherever the World Cup is played.”</blockquote>
Sure, Telemundo Deportes will go wherever the World Cup is played. To be fair, one could never expect the broadcasting company to simply&nbsp;not broadcast the World Cup. As stated, the monetary investment is simply too great to throw away.
That being said, the sort of blissful ignorance in not covering the human rights violations provides an inadequate representation of what this World Cup is.
Yes, the World Cup will transpire barring a massive change or a wildly unlikely development. That does not mean Telemundo should not cover the issues at hand.
As a broadcaster covering the biggest soccer tournament in the world, there is a certain level of responsibility awarded to Telemundo. The broadcaster does not have to talk about the issues throughout the entirety of its content. However, mentioning the violations and discussing the wealth of controversies surrounding the 2022 World Cup seems ethically right.
<h3>Total effort</h3>
Let me add that this is not just on Telemundo. While the broadcaster did mention their commitment to sport over discussion of human rights violations, the issue is far deeper than one organization.
Would it help to have the principal Spanish-language broadcaster in the United States discuss what is happening in Qatar? Yes. In fact, it seems like something worth talking about as if it were any other news story during a sporting event. Ergo, Telemundo should bring up what other news-centric outlets cover. Albeit, it does not have to be such in-depth reporting.
The onus rests on each broadcaster, advertiser, team and organization affiliated with the 2022 World Cup. What Qatar did in constructing these lavish stadiums through the use of slave labor and unfair treatment of migrant workers cannot be passed over.
If that becomes the case, and those responsible for these actions remain unscathed, then those organizations contributing to or benefitting from the World Cup dishonor the integrity of the world’s game.
<h5>FOX Soccer</h5>
On the contrary, FOX Sports chose not to schedule a conference call with reporters to discuss World Cup plans. For this reason, U.S. soccer reporters did not have an opportunity to ask about FOX’s plans to cover human rights abuses.
The closest thing we got to any discussion was the following clip published by FOX Sports:
<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Alexi Lalas on how the 2022 FIFA World Cup will be different than any other | State of the Union" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iwhfl8X3eoY?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
In it, FOX Sports pundit Alexi Lalas shares his excitement at going to Doha. In spite of this, Lalas fails to mention one word about human rights issues or restrictions on individual rights. Instead, he discusses Qatari weather, travel and culture. In the same manner, he talks about all of the infrastructure that has been built in Qatar —&nbsp;despite it being built by migrant workers who are trapped and exploited.
<h3>Voicing up against human rights violations in Qatar</h3>
When the European Super League news broke, players at smaller clubs wore shirts during their warm-up sessions against the concept. The shirts read “Football is for the Fans” and “Earn it”.
Clearly, players recognize when something awry takes place in the sporting world.
As stated previously, the circumstances in Qatar directly relate to the World Cup, but the violations extend into everyday lives. Therefore, it seems fitting that certain nations follow a similar suit to that of players against the European Super League.
Notably, Norway wore shirts that stated “Human rights on and off the pitch” ahead of a World Cup qualifying game.
Denmark, which already qualified for the group stages in Qatar, plans to bring its message to the tournament itself. Ahead of the country’s scheduled games, the Denmark Football Association, DBU in Danish, plans to wear <a href="https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/12471089/2022-world-cup-denmark-to-wear-messages-in-support-of-human-rights-at-tournament-in-qatar" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shirts in support of human rights</a> on their training kits.
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England, also topping its UEFA World Cup Qualifying group to guarantee a spot in Qatar, is facing pressure to speak up against these issues. Recently, manager Gareth Southgate said he and his players will educate themselves on the issues in Qatar.
<blockquote>“There are clear cultural differences between the two nations. It is hugely complex but we will take the time to educate ourselves and if we feel there are areas we can highlight and help, we have always tried to do that and we will do that,”&nbsp;Southgate said.</blockquote>
Other major nations continue to wrap up spots in the World Cup. The trend seems to be in support of helping those suffering from human rights violations in Qatar.
If more football nations rise up and make protests about Qatar 2022, it will be irresponsible for FOX Sports and Telemundo to ignore the World Cup news.

FOX & Telemundo need to discuss human rights violations in Qatar

The human rights violations in Qatar make headlines with teams and coaches voicing their concerns. Why not the TV broadcasters?

FOX &amp; Telemundo need to discuss human rights violations in Qatar - World Soccer Talk

<figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-354048" src="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Frauen-Bundesliga-coverage-in-the-US.jpg" alt="Frauen-Bundesliga coverage in the US" width="1200" height="800" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Frauen-Bundesliga-coverage-in-the-US.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Frauen-Bundesliga-coverage-in-the-US-300x200.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Frauen-Bundesliga-coverage-in-the-US-600x400.jpg 600w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Frauen-Bundesliga-coverage-in-the-US-150x100.jpg 150w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/Frauen-Bundesliga-coverage-in-the-US-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure>
Fans of the game at large now have Frauen-Bundesliga coverage in the US. Thanks to ata football, a solid chunk of games from Germany’s top women’s flight.
Starting on Friday, Nov. 5, ata football features 34 matches through the rest of the season. This is the first time the Frauen-Bundesliga airs in the United States. Of course, it also represents the further growth of the women’s game outside of the United States. Now, the Frauen-Bundesliga joins the likes of the NWSL, Women’s Super League and the Women’s Champions League with relative ease in the United States.
Moreover, these club competitions align with the Women’s World Cup and the Olympics as popular women’s soccer events on air.
<h3>ata football</h3>
Traditionally, people think of the likes of Peacock, Paramount+, ESPN+ or beIN SPORTS for soccer viewership. ata football differs.
This service focuses entirely on the women’s game. Therefore, many women’s games from Europe or other parts of the world go through ata football. Unfortunately, the service is not free. Those interested can subscribe $6.99 with a monthly subscription. Or, it offers an annual subscription option that comes in at $4.99 per month.
Even then, the service is a must for any devout fan of the game. For instance, ata football airs 200 of the biggest matches in the women’s game. The range of coverage for the service includes the FA WSL (England), D1 Arkema (France), Primera Iberdrola (Spain) and Serie A (Italy). As you can see, some of the world’s biggest clubs play on ata football.
This new deal goes beyond just ata football, though. In addition to finding games on atafootball.com, nbcsports.com will also have certain Frauen-Bundesliga coverage in the US. ata football did not mention the quantity of games split.
ata football pulls in an estimated 3 million viewers on over 50,000 hours of live and recorded content. Now, that content includes another major women’s league in Europe
<h3>Frauen-Bundesliga coverage in the US</h3>
Olympique Lyon is likely the first women’s team in Europe people think of. The French side has the most Women’s Champions League titles, sitting at seven.
However, in terms of spread and titles based on country, Frauen-Bundesliga clubs top the list. Frankfurt has four women’s Champions League titles, Wolfsburg and Turbine Potsdam each have two and FCR Duisburg won in 2009.
Most of those teams consistently push for titles in the 12-team Frauen-Bundesliga. However, just like the men’s side, Bayern Munich now <a href="https://www.eurosport.com/football/bundesliga-1/standing.shtml" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tops the league</a>. Of course, Frankfurt, Wolfsburg and Potsdam all closely follow Bayern Munich.
If anything, this shows the depth of the league. The Frauen-Bundesliga is one of the best examples of the increased competition throughout Europe in the women’s game. Certainly, teams tend to go on <a href="https://www.worldfootball.net/winner/frauen-bundesliga/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">title dynasties</a>, but we could be on the verge of watching a new one form.
Frauen-Bundesliga coverage in the US starts this upcoming weekend on ata football. On Friday, Eintracht Frankfurt travels to Wolfsburg in a matchup of a combined six European crowns and 13 German titles. Kickoff is set for 2:15 p.m. ET
Then, on Saturday, league leaders and defending champions Bayern Munich take on mid-table side SGS Essen. Coverage is at 8 a.m. ET on <a href="http://atafootball.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ata football</a>.
<div class="ckeditor-em"><iframe loading="lazy" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/926035510&amp;color=%23ff5500&amp;auto_play=false&amp;hide_related=false&amp;show_comments=true&amp;show_user=true&amp;show_reposts=false&amp;show_teaser=true&amp;visual=true" width="100%" height="300" frameborder="no" scrolling="no"></iframe></div>
<div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc; line-break: anywhere; word-break: normal; overflow: hidden; white-space: nowrap; text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif; font-weight: 100;"><a style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;" title="World Soccer Talk Podcast" href="https://soundcloud.com/worldsoccertalk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Soccer Talk Podcast</a> · <a style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;" title="Interview with ATA Football&apos;s Esmeralda Negron" href="https://soundcloud.com/worldsoccertalk/interview-with-ata-footballs-esmeralda-negron" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Interview with ATA Football’s Esmeralda Negron</a></div>

Frauen-Bundesliga coverage in US available through ata football

Fans of the women's game will be delighted to hear that the Frauen-Bundesliga coverage in the US will be on ata football this season.

Frauen-Bundesliga coverage in US available through ata football - World Soccer Talk

<figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-349458" src="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/EPL-Commentator-Schedule-gameweek-8.jpg" alt="EPL Commentator Schedule" width="1200" height="1500" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/10/EPL-Commentator-Schedule-gameweek-8.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/10/EPL-Commentator-Schedule-gameweek-8-300x375.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/10/EPL-Commentator-Schedule-gameweek-8-600x750.jpg 600w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/10/EPL-Commentator-Schedule-gameweek-8-150x188.jpg 150w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/10/EPL-Commentator-Schedule-gameweek-8-768x960.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure>
Many American fans of European soccer are looking for the EPL commentator schedule for gameweek 8. Now, NBC released the crews for all ten games in England’s top flight.
This week, there are not an absurd number of marquee games. Yet, every game seems to be competitive in this league.
Starting off, Liverpool, which sits at second in the table, travels to newly promoted Watford. This is Watford’s first game under Claudio Ranieri, the manager who led Leicester to the 2015-16 EPL title. Kickoff is set for 7:30 a.m.
Also, before kickoff, be sure to get caught up on EPL news with Premier League Mornings on Peacock. Rebecca Lowe takes her place behind the desk with Robbie Earle and Tim Howard joining.
After the Liverpool-Watford contest, there are five games in the Saturday 10 a.m. window. Obviously, no one can watch and keep up with all five contests. Fortunately, Goal Rush returns this week. The whip-around show featuring goals and highlights from all games in the window is available on Peacock.
Notable games in that window include Manchester United traveling to Leicester City and Aston Villa hosting Wolves.
Rounding off Saturday’s action is a contest between top-of-the-table Chelsea and newcomers Brentford. While the other promoted teams struggle, Brentford remains in the top half of the Premier League. Coverage for the game is on NBC and Universo following Premier League Live on NBCSN.
Next, there are just two games on Sunday. A two-hour Premier League Mornings on NBCSN precedes Everton hosting West Ham. Then, Newcastle, under new ownership, hosts Harry Kane and Tottenham.
Finally, Patrick Vieira returns to Arsenal as the manager of Crystal Palace on Monday. Of course, Vieira is part of the famous Arsenal Invincibles.
<h3>EPL Commentator Schedule on NBC</h3>
All of the following times in the EPL commentator schedule are in Eastern Time. Premier League Mornings, Premier League Live and Goal Zone are on between games throughout the weekend.
<h5>Saturday, Oct. 16</h5>
7:30 a.m. – Liverpool vs. Watford. <a href="https://imp.i305175.net/DV3NWa">Peacock Premium</a>. — Peter Drury and Jim Beglin.
10 a.m. – Aston Villa vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers. NBCSN,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fubo.tv/lp/soccer/?irad=356358&amp;irmp=330866" aria-label="Watch on fubo TV">fubo TV</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kqzyfj.com/click-3301630-12685078?sid=homepage" aria-label="Watch on Sling Blue">Sling Blue</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=x2vYEsBAJH4&amp;offerid=669015.20&amp;type=3&amp;subid=0" aria-label="Watch on Hulu + Live TV">Hulu + Live TV</a>.&nbsp;— Seb Hutchinson and Lee Hendrie.
10 a.m. – Leicester City vs. Manchester United. USA Network, Universo,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fubo.tv/lp/soccer/?irad=356358&amp;irmp=330866" aria-label="Watch on fubo TV">fubo TV</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kqzyfj.com/click-3301630-12685078?sid=homepage" aria-label="Watch on Sling Blue">Sling Blue</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=x2vYEsBAJH4&amp;offerid=669015.20&amp;type=3&amp;subid=0" aria-label="Watch on Hulu + Live TV">Hulu + Live TV</a>.&nbsp;— Rob Hawthorne and Davie Provan.
10 a.m. – Manchester City vs. Burnley. <a href="https://imp.i305175.net/DV3NWa">Peacock Premium</a>. — David Stowell and Rob Green.
10 a.m. – Norwich City vs. Brighton and Hove Albion. <a href="https://imp.i305175.net/DV3NWa">Peacock Premium</a>. — Tony Jones Efan Ekoku.
10 a.m. – Southampton vs. Leeds United. <a href="https://imp.i305175.net/DV3NWa">Peacock Premium</a>. — Gary Taphouse and Matthew Upson.
12:30 p.m. – Brentford vs. Chelsea. NBC,&nbsp;<a href="https://imp.i305175.net/DV3NWa">Peacock Premium</a>, Universo,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fubo.tv/lp/soccer/?irad=356358&amp;irmp=330866" aria-label="Watch on fubo TV">fubo TV</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kqzyfj.com/click-3301630-12685078?sid=homepage" aria-label="Watch on Sling Blue">Sling Blue</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=x2vYEsBAJH4&amp;offerid=669015.20&amp;type=3&amp;subid=0" aria-label="Watch on Hulu + Live TV">Hulu + Live TV</a>.&nbsp;— Arlo White and Lee Dixon.
<h5>Sunday, Oct. 17</h5>
9 a.m. – Everton vs. West Ham United. NBCSN, Telemundo,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fubo.tv/lp/soccer/?irad=356358&amp;irmp=330866" aria-label="Watch on fubo TV">fubo TV</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kqzyfj.com/click-3301630-12685078?sid=homepage" aria-label="Watch on Sling Blue">Sling Blue</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=x2vYEsBAJH4&amp;offerid=669015.20&amp;type=3&amp;subid=0" aria-label="Watch on Hulu + Live TV">Hulu + Live TV</a>.&nbsp;— Jim Proudfoot and Jim Beglin.
11:30 a.m. – Newcastle vs. Tottenham. NBCSN, Telemundo,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fubo.tv/lp/soccer/?irad=356358&amp;irmp=330866" aria-label="Watch on fubo TV">fubo TV</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kqzyfj.com/click-3301630-12685078?sid=homepage" aria-label="Watch on Sling Blue">Sling Blue</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=x2vYEsBAJH4&amp;offerid=669015.20&amp;type=3&amp;subid=0" aria-label="Watch on Hulu + Live TV">Hulu + Live TV</a>.&nbsp;— Arlo White and Stephen Warnock.
<h5>Monday, Oct. 18</h5>
3 p.m. – Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace. <a href="https://imp.i305175.net/DV3NWa">Peacock Premium</a>. — Martin Tyler and Andy Townsend.

EPL Commentators on NBC for gameweek 8

With the October international break wrapping up, click here to find out the EPL Commentator Schedule for NBC's coverage of gameweek eight.

EPL Commentators on NBC for gameweek 8 - World Soccer Talk

CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying is perhaps the most exciting path to get to the World Cup. Argentina and Brazil certainly expect to qualify out of the 10-team round-robin phase. Still, there are no easy games in South America when the World Cup is on the line.



The passion, drama and flair in CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying is seldom seen in the other confederations. Some of that can be attributed to the format of qualification, which differs from that of anywhere else.



<h3>CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying format</h3>



Due to the small number of nations in South America, the tournament involves every country. The only exceptions are the small nations on the northern coast: Suriname, Guyana and French Guiana. Those three nations compete in CONCACAF.



Therefore, the double round-robin tournament involves 10 teams that play a home and away match against the other nine opponents.



Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, Uruguay, Paraguay, Peru, Venezuela, Bolivia and Chile play a total of 18 games each.



These games occur over the years leading up to a World Cup.



Traditionally, that time span lasts from the October two years before the World Cup, and ends the October before the World Cup.



In the case of 2026 qualifying, the tournament started in September 2023 – the first 2026 qualifiers to kick off. The grueling contest will end in September 2025.



In terms of play, the rules align significantly with other federations. Three points for a win, one point for a draw and zero points for a loss. 



As the World Cup has expanded to 48 teams in 2026, South America has been given additional spots in the tournament. The top six teams in qualification will automatically go on to the World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada. Seventh place will go to the inter-confederation playoffs for another chance. 



The fifth-placed team plays another country from a different federation in a two-leg playoff for a World Cup spot.



While other federations change their qualifying structure, the federation began using CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying ahead of the 1998 World Cup.



No one argues with the results and the storylines that develop each season during qualifying.



<h2>Where to find CONMEBOL Qualifiers on TV</h2>



Despite the region including some of the most talented and popular national teams on the planet, these high-stakes games aren’t the easiest to find.



As of Fall 2023, games in the current cycle have mostly only been available on a pay-per-view basis through Fanatiz.



Select games are televised on Telemundo and streamed on ViX. Meanwhile Bolivia’s home games have been streamed on FIFA+. 



<h3>Unbridled Passion</h3>



European soccer is intense. But, it looks tame compared to the scenes that unfold seemingly each matchday during CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying.



For one, there are a number of rivalries between these countries in CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying. Everyone looks to <a href="https://en.as.com/en/2021/07/10/soccer/1625895959_600981.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Argentina and Brazil</a>, the two most dominant South American sides on the world stage. Still, rivalries between <a href="https://www.90min.com/posts/brazil-vs-uruguay-south-america-s-other-huge-international-rivalry-01e6xqebjdss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Brazil and Uruguay</a>, <a href="http://www.owlapps.net/owlapps_apps/articles?id=12717552&amp;lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chile and Peru</a> and <a href="https://www.11v11.com/teams/colombia/tab/opposingTeams/opposition/Venezuela/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Colombia and Venezuela</a> provide action every matchday.



The beauty of all these rivalries means that there is a certain level of parity in South American qualifiers. For example, Peru qualified for the 2018 World Cup via a playoff victory over New Zealand. The win signaled the Peruvians’ first World Cup venture since 1982 in Spain. A <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGXAwE5Rtvs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">raucous Estadio Nacional</a> saw the history unfold in Peru’s capital city, Lima.



<div class="wp-block-image size-medium wp-image-343144"><figure class="alignright"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="300" height="428" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20211001_CMS_347655_Lionel-Messi-300x428_778732f2.webp&amp;width=300&amp;height=428" alt="" class="wp-image-343144" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/08/Lionel-Messi-300x428.jpeg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/08/Lionel-Messi-600x856.jpeg 600w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/08/Lionel-Messi-150x214.jpeg 150w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/08/Lionel-Messi.jpeg 701w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px"></figure><figcaption>Lionel Messi is the top goal-scorer in South American international history</figcaption></figure></div>



Also for the 2018 World Cup, Lionel Messi’s Argentina almost missed qualification. Fortunately for La Albiceleste,&nbsp;Lionel Messi’s hat trick in the final game against Ecuador sealed a trip to Russia.



Prior to that, in 2010, four teams finished within two points of each other vying for the intercontinental playoff spot.



Every game appears to be a sell-out in the stadium. Consequently, home field plays a massive role throughout the tournament. The differing elevations throughout South American stadiums compound this.



There is no easy place to play in South America, making CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying perhaps the most grueling route to the World Cup.



<h3>CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying</h3>



All times Eastern United States timezone &nbsp;


<div class="stvs-grid" id="league-317298-all-America/New_York"></div><div class="wst-home-matches"></div>



What questions do you have about CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying? Let us know in the comments section below.

How to watch CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying

Read our guide on CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying games available to viewers in the United States of America.

How to watch CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying - World Soccer Talk

CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying is perhaps the most exciting path to get to the World Cup. Argentina and Brazil certainly expect to qualify out of the 10-team round-robin phase. Still, there are no easy games in South America when the World Cup is on the line.



The passion, drama and flair in CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying is seldom seen in the other confederations. Some of that can be attributed to the format of qualification, which differs from that of anywhere else.



<h3>CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying format</h3>



Due to the small number of nations in South America, the tournament involves every country. The only exceptions are the small nations on the northern coast: Suriname, Guyana and French Guiana. Those three nations compete in CONCACAF.



Therefore, the double round-robin tournament involves 10 teams that play a home and away match against the other nine opponents.



Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, Uruguay, Paraguay, Peru, Venezuela, Bolivia and Chile play a total of 18 games each.



These games occur over the years leading up to a World Cup.



Traditionally, that time span lasts from the October two years before the World Cup, and ends the October before the World Cup.



In the case of 2026 qualifying, the tournament started in September 2023 – the first 2026 qualifiers to kick off. The grueling contest will end in September 2025.



In terms of play, the rules align significantly with other federations. Three points for a win, one point for a draw and zero points for a loss. 



As the World Cup has expanded to 48 teams in 2026, South America has been given additional spots in the tournament. The top six teams in qualification will automatically go on to the World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada. Seventh place will go to the inter-confederation playoffs for another chance. 



The fifth-placed team plays another country from a different federation in a two-leg playoff for a World Cup spot.



While other federations change their qualifying structure, the federation began using CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying ahead of the 1998 World Cup.



No one argues with the results and the storylines that develop each season during qualifying.



<h2>Where to find CONMEBOL Qualifiers on TV</h2>



Despite the region including some of the most talented and popular national teams on the planet, these high-stakes games aren’t the easiest to find.



As of Fall 2023, games in the current cycle have mostly only been available on a pay-per-view basis through Fanatiz.



Select games are televised on Telemundo and streamed on ViX. Meanwhile Bolivia’s home games have been streamed on FIFA+. 



<h3>Unbridled Passion</h3>



European soccer is intense. But, it looks tame compared to the scenes that unfold seemingly each matchday during CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying.



For one, there are a number of rivalries between these countries in CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying. Everyone looks to <a href="https://en.as.com/en/2021/07/10/soccer/1625895959_600981.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Argentina and Brazil</a>, the two most dominant South American sides on the world stage. Still, rivalries between <a href="https://www.90min.com/posts/brazil-vs-uruguay-south-america-s-other-huge-international-rivalry-01e6xqebjdss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Brazil and Uruguay</a>, <a href="http://www.owlapps.net/owlapps_apps/articles?id=12717552&amp;lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chile and Peru</a> and <a href="https://www.11v11.com/teams/colombia/tab/opposingTeams/opposition/Venezuela/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Colombia and Venezuela</a> provide action every matchday.



The beauty of all these rivalries means that there is a certain level of parity in South American qualifiers. For example, Peru qualified for the 2018 World Cup via a playoff victory over New Zealand. The win signaled the Peruvians’ first World Cup venture since 1982 in Spain. A <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGXAwE5Rtvs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">raucous Estadio Nacional</a> saw the history unfold in Peru’s capital city, Lima.



Also for the 2018 World Cup, Lionel Messi’s Argentina almost missed qualification. Fortunately for La Albiceleste,&nbsp;Lionel Messi’s hat trick in the final game against Ecuador sealed a trip to Russia.



Prior to that, in 2010, four teams finished within two points of each other vying for the intercontinental playoff spot.



Every game appears to be a sell-out in the stadium. Consequently, home field plays a massive role throughout the tournament. The differing elevations throughout South American stadiums compound this.



There is no easy place to play in South America, making CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying perhaps the most grueling route to the World Cup.



What questions do you have about CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying? Let us know in the comments section below.

<figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" src="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/ricardo-pepi-usmnt.jpeg" alt="" width="1200" height="675" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-345013" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/09/ricardo-pepi-usmnt.jpeg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/09/ricardo-pepi-usmnt-300x169.jpeg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/09/ricardo-pepi-usmnt-600x338.jpeg 600w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/09/ricardo-pepi-usmnt-150x84.jpeg 150w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/09/ricardo-pepi-usmnt-768x432.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure>
Taylor Twellman understands goal-scoring for the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT). In 30 appearances for Team USA, the striker bagged six goals. Not an amazing tally, but it shows success. Moreover, the American thrived in Major League Soccer where he won two Golden Boots, amassing 109 goals in 190 appearances for the New England Revolution.
Now, as a soccer analyst for ESPN, he regularly provides insight into the USMNT.
<figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-344994 alignright" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20210909_CMS_344980_Twellman-New-England-Revolution-300x453_56ba3a25.webp&amp;width=300&amp;height=453" alt="Taylor Twellman" width="300" height="453" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/09/Twellman-New-England-Revolution-300x453.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/09/Twellman-New-England-Revolution-596x900.jpg 596w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/09/Twellman-New-England-Revolution-150x226.jpg 150w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/09/Twellman-New-England-Revolution.jpg 658w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px"></figure>
In a conversation with World Soccer Talk, Twellman discussed the U.S.’s recent victory in Honduras, and where the team goes from here.
With the USMNT beginning their 2022 World Cup Qualifiers, it’s time to start deliberating what works for the team.
One of the glaring issues has to be the striker position. Currently, the United States holds perhaps their most talented roster ever. Furthermore, Christian Pulisic, Gio Reyna, Weston McKennie, Sergino Dest and Zack Steffen all compete at top European clubs in varying positions. There is obvious room for optimism in the United States Men’s National Team with this depth.
However, there is not a top player that occupies the striker position, at least not yet. A true No. 9 and an outlet to score goals holds back the offensive prowess of the talents on the roster.
Now, as seen in the U.S.’s recent victory over Honduras in the World Cup Qualifiers, the nation may have found their man.
<h3>Taylor Twellman on Ricardo Pepi</h3>
Ricardo Pepi is just 18. He is the second-youngest player for the USMNT to make his World Cup Qualifier debut.
His performance against Honduras showed a glimpse of his potential. The game-winning goal coupled with a pair of assists in his senior debut propelled the Americans to a 4-1 win on the road.
<blockquote>“This is a player we’ve heard about, in the circles of Major League Soccer, for about two-and-a-half years,”&nbsp;Taylor Twellman said.
“I love everything about how active he is, how mobile he is. But, most importantly, everything is about scoring goals.”</blockquote>
<div id="attachment_344999" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><figure class="image"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-344999" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-344999" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20210909_CMS_344980_FC_Dallas_Toyota_Stadium-300x200_0e97146d.webp&amp;width=300&amp;height=200" alt="" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/09/FC_Dallas_Toyota_Stadium-300x200.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/09/FC_Dallas_Toyota_Stadium-600x400.jpg 600w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/09/FC_Dallas_Toyota_Stadium-150x100.jpg 150w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/09/FC_Dallas_Toyota_Stadium-768x512.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/09/FC_Dallas_Toyota_Stadium-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/09/FC_Dallas_Toyota_Stadium-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px"></figure>In his third season at FC Dallas, Ricardo Pepi has over a third of the club’s total goals. (Photo by Rick Yeatts)</div>
For Pepi, goals are obviously his top priority. One goal in one game is not a bad ratio. Albeit, that’s a small sample size. Furthermore, he has <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/stats/_/league/usa.1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">11 goals</a> in 21 appearances for FC Dallas in the 2021 MLS regular season.
His now-14 goals for FC Dallas rank him <a href="https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/record-chaser-where-ricardo-pepi-stands-among-top-scoring-teenagers-in-mls-histo" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fourth-all-time</a> in MLS goals scored by a teenager. Also, let’s remember that he is still 18. There will still be time for him to score a few more in his teenage years.
In his one appearance, his ability transferred seamlessly to the international game. Moreover, that is no easy task when playing on the road in CONCACAF.
<h3>A true No. 9</h3>
Taylor Twellman played the No. 9 position. He knows when someone has what it takes to play the role.
<blockquote>“The No. 9 position has never been a question for the United States over the last 24 or 25 years.”&nbsp;Twellman said.
“It is now.”</blockquote>
With the likes of Clint Dempsey leading the line for a decade, the U.S. had a reliable presence in front of goal. His retirement left a void that no player has truly stepped into. Ricardo Pepi may be that name to fill the gap.
<blockquote>“If Ricardo Pepi is playing at this level, and he is by no means a finished product,… what does that do to all the other players?”
“It completes the system.”</blockquote>
Christian Pulisic likes to play wide, get creative and come inside. He bounces off the likes of Timo Werner or Romelu Lukaku at Chelsea. Gio Reyna’s link-up play with Erling Haaland at Borussia Dortmund allows him to flourish. Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams can take on more of a playmaker role when they have a reliable presence up top. Internationally, these players do not have that same talent.
Now, let’s not compare an 18-year-old that plays for FC Dallas to the world’s top strikers. Just for the international team, these players need an outlet than can steadily and consistently provide goals.
One game in, and Ricardo Pepi is doing just that.
<h3>Building on a win</h3>
Looking at the USMNT’s win over Honduras holistically, there is legitimate reason for optimism in the American camp.
When manager Gregg Berhalter released his starting XI against Honduras, everyone raised an eyebrow or two. Four players made their World Cup Qualifiers debut in a seemingly must-win game. Now, with a 4-1 win and a crucial three points, these young players have confidence and experience with a come-from-behind victory on the road.
<blockquote>“You can say you know what it is going to feel like,” Taylor Twellman said,&nbsp;“it is not until you do it.”</blockquote>
Taylor Twellman added that even the most experienced players looked shaky during this three-game stretch. Notably, John Brooks came off at halftime against Honduras due to his performance and a trailing scoreline.
<div id="attachment_275574" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><figure class="image"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-275574" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-275574" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20210909_CMS_344980_gregg-berhalter-300x221_8b74373b.webp&amp;width=300&amp;height=221" alt="" width="300" height="221" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2019/07/gregg-berhalter-300x221.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2019/07/gregg-berhalter-150x111.jpg 150w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2019/07/gregg-berhalter-600x443.jpg 600w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2019/07/gregg-berhalter-200x148.jpg 200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2019/07/gregg-berhalter.jpg 640w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px"></figure>Photo credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports</div>
Whatever people made of Gregg Berhalter’s decision leading up to the game, he nailed his substitutions. Ironically, that comes off the back of some criticism for waiting too long to make changes in their 1-1 draw with Canada.
<blockquote>“This could be a pivotal moment for the United States under Berhalter,”&nbsp;Twellman noted.
“However, I think we’re going to get a real good idea of that come October.”</blockquote>
In October, the USMNT plays another set of three games. The team welcomes Jamaica and Costa Rica for home games, separated by a trip to Panama.
With five points from three games, Twellman says the team is slightly behind pace. The draw against Canada felt like a massive disappointment. But, the thumping victory over Honduras made amends.
Expect Ricardo Pepi to continue to appear on the scoresheet for the Americans.

Twellman says Ricardo Pepi is answer to its most glaring problem

Taylor Twellman understands goal-scoring for the United States Men's National Team. The former striker believes a new name on the USMNT provides excitement.

Twellman says Ricardo Pepi is answer to its most glaring problem - World Soccer Talk

Kyle Fansler is a writer and editor from St. Petersburg, FL. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Telecommunication from the University of Florida. While being a fan of the global game, Kyle supports FC Barcelona. In his time away from writing, Kyle plays in two soccer leagues with friends from his area.

Kyle is a member of the North American Soccer Reporters (NASR).

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