
<p>The United States Men’s National Team fizzled out its World Cup run at the hands of the Netherlands. The Dutch side may have had less possession and less shot attempts. However, it still looked far stronger than their American opposition. </p>



<p>A credit to the Dutch, Louis van Gaal came out and said the United States did not <a href="https:\/\/www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11499567/Louis-van-Gaal-says-USMNT-didnt-adapt-adjust-Hollands-tactics-targeting-wide-areas.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">adapt or adjust</a>. Gregg Berhalter stuck to the same formula offensively and defensively with his young unit. And, despite a number of players plying their trade in Europe, Berhalter added he did not have a ‘Memphis Depay’ at his disposal. Memphis scored the opening goal, and Daley Blind mirrored his goal just before halftime.</p>



<p>It was always going to be a tough task to top the <em>Oranje</em>. Memphis Depay is a top talent when on his game. Virgil van Dijk remains one of the best defenders in the world. Frenkie de Jong is a gamechanger in the midfield for both club and country. </p>



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<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Netherlands vs. United States Highlights | 2022 FIFA World Cup | Round of 16" width="500" height="281" src="https:\/\/www.youtube.com/embed/7kH-EQbMprI?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
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<p>Still, the elimination from the World Cup showed something else. It showed the necessity for the United States to play in elite competition. </p>



<p>That could be a USMNT entry into the UEFA Nations League or Copa America, as it has done on several occasions in the past. The opportunity for growth and experience is pivotal if this team wants to achieve its dreams of success it laid out.</p>



<h5>A need for top experience</h5>



<p>Mexico and Canada are good teams. Costa Rica is aging, but certainly provided a challenge to the United States over the last decade or so. Constant opposition against these CONCACAF sides did well to prop the United States into the best team in the continent. That is, at least, looking at the Gold Cup and CONCACAF Nations League.</p>



<p>What it did not do, however, is prepare the United States for significant and meaningful games against teams rife with world class talent. Whereas the Netherlands had ‘warmup’ games in the Nations League against Belgium, Poland and Wales, all World Cup teams, the United States played Nations League games in June against Grenada and El Salvador. Those two countries have a combined two World Cup appearances, and none in the last 40 years. </p>



<p>The Netherlands, in addition to being talented both on and off the field, must adapt to play different play styles with those opposition. Belgium, Poland and Wales are different teams that have players that can match up against the Dutch. For the United States, its talent simply outmatch both Grenada and El Salvador. That being said, Berhalter’s squad only drew with El Salvador, 1-1, with Jordan Morris salvaging a point in stoppage time. </p>



<h2>A USMNT appearance in the UEFA Nations League</h2>



<p>It may seem like a far-fetched idea to jump from CONCACAF to UEFA for the Nations League. To be fair, there has been no intercontinental jumping for the Nations League. The closest anything is to this outside of friendlies is the Finalissima, most recently contested between the Copa America winner, Argentina, and Euro 2020 champions Italy. </p>



<p>However, teams from South America may soon compete in the UEFA Nations League much for the same reason that the USA should. All 10 teams from CONMEBOL are considering <a href="https:\/\/www.skysports.com/football/news/12010/12498440/uefa-nations-league-south-american-teams-set-to-join-in-2024-after-talks-between-uefa-and-conmebol" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">joining the UEFA Nations League</a> from 2024 and on. To fit them in, the top-six teams in the World Cup Qualifying table would join League A, the top division. That means Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Ecuador, Peru and Colombia join League A. The other four teams would join League B.</p>



<p>All of the games would happen in Europe to limit the traveling required to South America.</p>



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<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="How CONMEBOL countries joining the UEFA Nations League will shake out in 2024 | ESPN UK" width="500" height="281" src="https:\/\/www.youtube.com/embed/9bLPQazyGVg?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
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<p>The reason CONMEBOL linked with UEFA is to present direct competition to <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/news/breaking-down-a-potential-biennial-world-cup-with-simon-evans-20211223-CMS-363295.html">FIFA’s plans for a biennial World Cup</a>. However, it also provides more interplay and practice between elite teams. Argentina and Brazil are surefire contenders at each World Cup. Yet, this gives teams like Ecuador, Peru or Chile more play against top European opposition on a regular basis.</p>



<h5>How the USMNT can fit in with top teams</h5>



<p>Just as we saw in the World Cup for USA versus Iran, the USMNT fielded a lineup that was all European-based for the first time in its history.</p>



<p>Having the vast majority of USMNT players play in Europe means that it makes more sense to have the national team play competitive games in Europe than the United States or South America. It’s less travel for the players, and it provides the United States with tough away tests against European competition.</p>



<p>We’ve seen how competitive the European teams get in the UEFA Nations League.</p>



<p>Plus looking at the last four World Cup tournaments, the winners have all been European teams. Facing European competition would be a sterner test for the United States. That experience is valuable.</p>



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<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Hearing that there are no MLS players in the USMNT 🇺🇸 line up today…</p>— 🇺🇸Tactical Manager🇧🇷 (@ManagerTactical) <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/ManagerTactical/status/1597640909478588416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https:\/\/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>Logistically speaking, it may be a stretch to see the USMNT compete in the UEFA Nations League. That being said, the inclusion of South American teams provides precedent. The unfortunate case for the United States is the missed opportunity to make a North and South American Nations League. Competing against Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador and Uruguay would go a long way for the experience of an increasingly young USMNT side. </p>



<p>However, there is still a chance to compete in the Copa America, a South American tournament that often sends invitations to other teams. The United States played in four Copa America tournaments since 1993. In two of those, it got knocked out in the group stage. In the other two, it actually reached the semifinals, losing to Argentina and Brazil.</p>



<p>Moreover, it hosted the 2016 tournament when it lost to Argentina. The United States played Colombia, Costa Rica and Paraguay in the group stage, winning two and losing one. Then, the Stars and Stripes defeated Ecuador in the quarterfinals. The 2016 tournament was the only instance of the Copa America <em>not </em>happening in a CONMEBOL country.</p>



<p>Grant Wahl, a reporter covering the USMNT, says the United States “<a href="https:\/\/www.cbssports.com/soccer/news/usmnt-world-cup-mailbag-gregg-berhalter-fallout-a-plea-for-usa-in-copa-america-2026-expectations-more/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">absolutely has to play</a>” in the 2024 Copa America. Wahl even went so far as to say it should look into hosting the tournament. Wahl added that Ecuador, the intended host, lost interest in hosting the 2024 Copa America. It could set up an opportunity for the 2026 host cities.</p>



<p>On that topic, the 2026 World Cup means no World Cup qualifying games. Those were the best competitive games this batch of USMNT players had, as is the case for many teams. For example, Qatar did not play competitive games in the build up to hosting the World Cup. It is the first host nation to not pick up a point in the group stage, and just the second to not reach the knockout stage.</p>



<h5>Competitive games</h5>



<p>Whether those competitive games come from the Copa America or UEFA Nations League, they are paramount for the USMNT. Come 2026, expectations for the current squad will be higher. Not only will fans expect better quality, they will expect a better tournament. </p>



<p>If Gregg Berhalter remains the manager through then, he needs to try different tactics and player selections against top sides. He got it wrong against the Netherlands, but he will not be allowed to get it wrong as one of the three host nations. </p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / Colorsport</em></p>


The USMNT crashed out of the World Cup due to a lack of experience, experience that can be earned through the UEFA Nations League or similar.

USMNT needs to play UEFA Nations League, not Copa America

destacadas


<p>The <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/">2022 World Cup</a> has already been filled with drama and unpredictable moments throughout the group stage. After all, tournament contenders Belgium, Germany, and Uruguay have all been knocked out of the competition. Underdogs like <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/news/south-korea-qualifies-for-knockout-round-in-frantic-finish-20221202-WST-410891.html">South Korea</a>, <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/news/japan-spain-survive-explosive-world-cup-group-germany-out-20221201-WST-410785.html">Japan</a>, and <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/news/morocco-advance-after-solid-win-against-canada-20221202-WST-410740.html">Morocco</a> have also thrillingly qualified for the knockout round.</p>



<p>One of the most exciting aspects of the World Cup is the last round of group stage matches. While the early games of the tournament are spaced out so that viewers can catch all of the games, the final matches of each group are played at the same time. This is done to ensure all teams play their best and do not manipulate matches.</p>



<h5>‘Disgrace of Gijón’ changed the rules</h5>



<p>The rule to play these games at the same time was put into place back in 1986. It was implemented after a match refereed to as the “<a href="https:\/\/theathletic.com/3643998/2022/11/15/west-germany-austria-disgrace-of-gijon-world-cup/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Disgrace of Gijón</a>” at the 1982 World Cup. West Germany beat Austria 1-0 in the game, but both teams qualified for the next stage. The fixture was the last to be played in the group and both teams knew exactly what was needed to advance.</p>



<p>West Germany quickly went up 1-0 in the match and then both teams finished the fixture in lackluster fashion. FIFA claimed that no laws were broken by either team, but rearranged game times for the following World Cup. </p>



<h2>No more simultaneous World Cup games, other changes</h2>



<p>It has been rumored that FIFA is toying with the idea to switch to groups of three teams for the 2026 World Cup. This would most likely signify the end of simultaneous group stage games. The move would open the door for defensive soccer and possibly match manipulation.</p>



<p>In 2022, the simultaneous games at the World Cup provided serious drama on the last matchday of the group stage.</p>



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<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The moment Luis Suárez saw that South Korea scored <a href="https:\/\/t.co/2rBRldpcMB">pic.twitter.com/2rBRldpcMB</a></p>— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/FOXSoccer/status/1598721463141425157?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https:\/\/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>The next edition of the World Cup would also see 48 teams involved rather than 32. Under the new plan, FIFA would put three teams in 16 different groups, as opposed to the current format of eight groups of four teams.</p>



<p>Along with the disappointing group stage shakeup, FIFA could also include <a href="https:\/\/theathletic.com/3949146/2022/11/30/world-cup-group-shootouts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">penalty shootouts</a> for draws in the group stage as well. This would potentially give shootout winners an extra point in their group.</p>



<p>Soccer fans, however, will hope that the governing body of the sport has a change of heart of the decisions. The simultaneous final group stage games are chaotic and enthralling.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / Sportimage</em></p>


Simultaneous World Cup group stage games could be coming to an end. FIFA is contemplating new format for the 2026 tournament.

FIFA may end simultaneous World Cup group stage games

<p>The USA mascot for the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/2026-world-cup-cities-reveal-live-thread-20220616-CMS-390036.html">2026 World Cup</a> emerged today in early designs and logos. The tournament, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/07/03/who-should-host-the-world-cup-final-in-2026/">co-hosted</a> by the United States, Canada and Mexico, is the first tournament to involve three countries hosting games. It is just the second tournament to have more than one host. South Korea and Japan jointly hosted the 2002 World Cup.</p>



<p>Mascots are a <a href="https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/articles/world-cup-mascots-in-history#:~:text=Mexico%201970%3A%20Juanito%20Following%20in,World%20Cup%20broadcast%20in%20colour." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mainstay of the World Cup</a>. In 2014, Brazil unveiled <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/world-cup-2014-fuleco-fifa-brazil-mascot-environment-goal" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fuleco</a>, an armadillo. The leopard Zakumi showed up for the World Cup four years before then. Even Qatar 2022 has a mascot, <a href="https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/articles/laeeb-is-revealed-as-qatars-fifa-world-cup-tm-mascot" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">La’eeb</a>, but FIFA left interpretation over what the mascot is up to viewers and fans.</p>



<p>Now, there are early leaks over what the USA mascot is for the 2026 World Cup. There is also an indication over what Canada and Mexico have.</p>



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<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Leaked logo and mascot designs for the 2026 World Cup…are they really serious with that mascot for Mexico 🇲🇽 ? 🤦🏽 <br><br>What do you think of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USMNT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USMNT</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CANMNT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CANMNT</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ElTri?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ElTri</a> looks? <a href="https://t.co/a5QZrUU4qg">pic.twitter.com/a5QZrUU4qg</a></p>— CABRA FC 🐐 (@cabrafutbol) <a href="https://twitter.com/cabrafutbol/status/1583571909626646529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>Broken down, the United States is clearly Uncle Sam, the patriotic fictional hero of the country. Canada’s mascot is a moose, a fitting animal for the northern country. Mexico’s is a cactus. The cactus is certainly the most outlandish of the three shown above.</p>



<h2>USA mascot for 2026 World Cup</h2>



<p>Uncle Sam is a fitting mascot for the USA at the 2026 World Cup. Not only is Uncle Sam easily recognizable, but he is actually a human. It makes the ‘realism’ aspect more applicable, even if there is no precedent for realism when it comes to World Cup mascots. After all, the Qatar 2022 mascot resembles a ghost.</p>



<p>The Canadian mascot, a moose, is fairly standard when it comes to a World Cup. Generally, when an animal is involved, it is something that has a connection to the country itself. Russia had a wolf. France used its famous rooster in 1998. The first World Cup mascot was a lion when England hosted the World Cup in 1966. That fits, as England is, after all, the Three Lions. In this case, a moose might be one of the more fitting mascots of late.</p>



<p>Mexico is where things get interesting. Having hosted twice before, Mexico had some things to go off. In 1970, Mexico has a baby in a sombrero with the name Juanito. The sombrero is a staple of Mexican culture. Sombreros returned in 1986. However, the thing wearing the sombrero was a giant chili pepper. To be fair, the chili pepper, named Pique, resembled a human.</p>



<p>In 2026, the cactus also has human features. Arms, legs, a face and that reliable sombrero returns to the fold. However, with an eagle and a snake also prominently on the Mexican flag, those maybe could have fit in better with the theme.</p>

USA mascot for 2026 World Cup leaked

The mascot for the USA, Mexico and Canada World Cup in 2026 leaked, giving fans a first look at the characters for the World Cup.

ALL POSTS TAGGED "World Cup 2026" - Page 7

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USA mascot for 2026 World Cup leaked