Big C said:

---

Cal88 said:

---

Maybe a program to foster a pick-up culture among young players age 10-16, urban league, futsal etc.

Soccer moms hiring a recovery and speed coach for little Johnny is not going to do it.

---

My daughter is a case in point: Soccer is her main outside-of-school activity, but she rarely plays pick-up games. (Open field space can be an issue where we live, granted.) Also doesn't follow high-level soccer too closely.

Her team practices three times a week in late summer, the fall and the spring. In winter, she does "winter clinic" and futsol one time per week, each. Maybe she does a camp in early summer. In a year, she probably plays 30 games on weekends, between her team and guest-playing for another team in her club)

She's currently doing 8th grade track and field for conditioning purposes (plus her friend is doing it). When I asked her why, instead, doesn't she run on her own or play pick-up games, she said she really knows I love her when I gotta drop another $350 for her latest activity.

(ok, kidding about that very last part, but you get the idea... )

---

The women's game is different. There is way more variability in athletic ability among women. That is why we are competitive in women's soccer because our athletic ability and size compensates for our lack of quality. In men's soccer we do not have an athletic/demographic advantage. We have to come up to the soccer quality of the best nations. I am holding back my explanation as to why we have not gotten there. We are getting better.

sluggo said:

---

Cal88 said:

---

France, Italy, Spain have a strong pickup culture that meshes well with the local club structures.

---

I know France does. When I have been in Italy, where I will be again next month, I have not seen it. I have never been to Spain. I don't think Germany or the Netherlands do.

---

You're right about Germany and Holland. First time I was in Germany at age 12 on an exchange program with our sister city near Frankfurt we were all amazed at the number and quality of grass pitches in the area, all very well organized.

sluggo said:

---

Big C said:

---

Cal88 said:

---

Maybe a program to foster a pick-up culture among young players age 10-16, urban league, futsal etc.

Soccer moms hiring a recovery and speed coach for little Johnny is not going to do it.

---

My daughter is a case in point: Soccer is her main outside-of-school activity, but she rarely plays pick-up games. (Open field space can be an issue where we live, granted.) Also doesn't follow high-level soccer too closely.

Her team practices three times a week in late summer, the fall and the spring. In winter, she does "winter clinic" and futsol one time per week, each. Maybe she does a camp in early summer. In a year, she probably plays 30 games on weekends, between her team and guest-playing for another team in her club)

She's currently doing 8th grade track and field for conditioning purposes (plus her friend is doing it). When I asked her why, instead, doesn't she run on her own or play pick-up games, she said she really knows I love her when I gotta drop another $350 for her latest activity.

(ok, kidding about that very last part, but you get the idea... )

---

The women's game is different. There is way more variability in athletic ability among women. That is why we are competitive in women's soccer because our athletic ability and size compensates for our lack of quality. In men's soccer we do not have an athletic/demographic advantage. We have to come up to the soccer quality of the best nations. I am holding back my explanation as to why we have not gotten there. We are getting better.

---

Big C's point about his girl having little interest in following high-level soccer is quite relevant. My ex's sister was recruited out of a local prep school by Cal and others (ended up playing for UPenn), spent a whole lot of her time playing soccer as a teenager but didn't even bother watching World Cup games (also stopped playing after college).

Cal88 said:

---

sluggo said:

---

Big C said:

---

Cal88 said:

---

Maybe a program to foster a pick-up culture among young players age 10-16, urban league, futsal etc.

Soccer moms hiring a recovery and speed coach for little Johnny is not going to do it.

---

My daughter is a case in point: Soccer is her main outside-of-school activity, but she rarely plays pick-up games. (Open field space can be an issue where we live, granted.) Also doesn't follow high-level soccer too closely.

Her team practices three times a week in late summer, the fall and the spring. In winter, she does "winter clinic" and futsol one time per week, each. Maybe she does a camp in early summer. In a year, she probably plays 30 games on weekends, between her team and guest-playing for another team in her club)

She's currently doing 8th grade track and field for conditioning purposes (plus her friend is doing it). When I asked her why, instead, doesn't she run on her own or play pick-up games, she said she really knows I love her when I gotta drop another $350 for her latest activity.

(ok, kidding about that very last part, but you get the idea... )

---

The women's game is different. There is way more variability in athletic ability among women. That is why we are competitive in women's soccer because our athletic ability and size compensates for our lack of quality. In men's soccer we do not have an athletic/demographic advantage. We have to come up to the soccer quality of the best nations. I am holding back my explanation as to why we have not gotten there. We are getting better.

---

Big C's point about his girl having little interest in following high-level soccer is quite relevant. My ex's sister was recruited out of a local prep school by Cal and others (ended up playing for UPenn), spent a whole lot of her time playing soccer as a teenager but didn't even bother watching World Cup games (also stopped playing after college).

---

Soccer is a huge commitment and interferes with career and social plans and players drop out for many reasons all over the world. There are many girls/women who my daughter played with who would have given a body part to play the highest level but did not have the ability. My daughter quit in high school when she realized she was better at brain competitions than body competitions.

Aunburdened said:

---

Cal88 said:

---

sluggo said:

---

Here is an article about reasons why the best soccer players are not American. I think it is a good read. But it is more interview style that essay style. I think when he is really trying Weston McKennie is a top 50 in the world player. That is probably a minority opinion. After the World Cup I will talk about why I think the US does not produce the very top players. Something to look forward to, hee hee.

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/may/23/usmnt-player-development-youth

---

Tab Ramos with the tl;dr, from that article above:

Quote:

---

When he was 11 years old, Ramos and his family immigrated to the US from Uruguay, one of only eight countries to win the men's World Cup. The head start the sheer, uninterrupted history top-flight soccer had there goes hand-in-hand with another obvious ingredient fuelling their advantage.

"We just don't have a soccer culture in this country," Ramos said. "And in the last 30 years, that hasn't really improved that much.

---

---

What we really need are 18 year old studs from soccer playing countries immigrating here. If they come over at 11, they're simply not going to develop in the U.S. like they would in a country with more soccer infrastructure and better competition to push them.

---

Noooooo.
Booooooo.
This is a horrible post! Just horrible.
Hiiiiiissssssssssssssss!!!!!

sluggo said:

---

Aunburdened said:

---

Cal88 said:

---

sluggo said:

---

Here is an article about reasons why the best soccer players are not American. I think it is a good read. But it is more interview style that essay style. I think when he is really trying Weston McKennie is a top 50 in the world player. That is probably a minority opinion. After the World Cup I will talk about why I think the US does not produce the very top players. Something to look forward to, hee hee.

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/may/23/usmnt-player-development-youth

---

Tab Ramos with the tl;dr, from that article above:

Quote:

---

When he was 11 years old, Ramos and his family immigrated to the US from Uruguay, one of only eight countries to win the men's World Cup. The head start the sheer, uninterrupted history top-flight soccer had there goes hand-in-hand with another obvious ingredient fuelling their advantage.

"We just don't have a soccer culture in this country," Ramos said. "And in the last 30 years, that hasn't really improved that much.

---

---

What we really need are 18 year old studs from soccer playing countries immigrating here. If they come over at 11, they're simply not going to develop in the U.S. like they would in a country with more soccer infrastructure and better competition to push them.

---

They don't have to immigrate, they just have to be eligible. Three of our starters never played soccer here. All of our starters except the goalie have spent some time playing in Europe.

---

Lol!
As long as they were our flag, right?
We don't care if they live here, speak English, or have anything to do with USA except for some piece of paper.

It's just like NIL!
We have no idea who's inside the helmet, but it's blue and gold.
Go Bears!

Cal88 said:

---

Maybe a program to foster a pick-up culture among young players age 10-16, urban league, futsal etc.

Soccer moms hiring a recovery and speed coach for little Johnny is not going to do it.

---

Gee, that's NEVER been thought of before.
Hahahaha

sluggo said:

---

Cal88 said:

---

Maybe a program to foster a pick-up culture among young players age 10-16, urban league, futsal etc.

Soccer moms hiring a recovery and speed coach for little Johnny is not going to do it.

---

We are not Brazil, that is not going to happen. European nations, as I understand, are mostly structured rather than pickup. There is more than one way to the top. But we are not getting there yet.

---

But just wait until 2030 and 2034 when the current youngsters are prime time!
Then we will show the world our power, which will not be questioned!

Big C said:

---

Cal88 said:

---

Maybe a program to foster a pick-up culture among young players age 10-16, urban league, futsal etc.

Soccer moms hiring a recovery and speed coach for little Johnny is not going to do it.

---

My daughter is a case in point: Soccer is her main outside-of-school activity, but she rarely plays pick-up games. (Open field space can be an issue where we live, granted.) Also doesn't follow high-level soccer too closely.

Her team practices three times a week in late summer, the fall and the spring. In winter, she does "winter clinic" and futsol one time per week, each. Maybe she does a camp in early summer. In a year, she probably plays 30 games on weekends, between her team and guest-playing for another team in her club)

She's currently doing 8th grade track and field for conditioning purposes (plus her friend is doing it). When I asked her why, instead, doesn't she run on her own or play pick-up games, she said she really knows I love her when I gotta drop another $350 for her latest activity.

(ok, kidding about that very last part, but you get the idea... )

---

They play for social reasons.

sluggo said:

---

Big C said:

---

Cal88 said:

---

Maybe a program to foster a pick-up culture among young players age 10-16, urban league, futsal etc.

Soccer moms hiring a recovery and speed coach for little Johnny is not going to do it.

---

My daughter is a case in point: Soccer is her main outside-of-school activity, but she rarely plays pick-up games. (Open field space can be an issue where we live, granted.) Also doesn't follow high-level soccer too closely.

Her team practices three times a week in late summer, the fall and the spring. In winter, she does "winter clinic" and futsol one time per week, each. Maybe she does a camp in early summer. In a year, she probably plays 30 games on weekends, between her team and guest-playing for another team in her club)

She's currently doing 8th grade track and field for conditioning purposes (plus her friend is doing it). When I asked her why, instead, doesn't she run on her own or play pick-up games, she said she really knows I love her when I gotta drop another $350 for her latest activity.

(ok, kidding about that very last part, but you get the idea... )

---

The women's game is different. There is way more variability in athletic ability among women. That is why we are competitive in women's soccer because our athletic ability and size compensates for our lack of quality. In men's soccer we do not have an athletic/demographic advantage. We have to come up to the soccer quality of the best nations. I am holding back my explanation as to why we have not gotten there. We are getting better.

---

I'm holding my breath.

sluggo said:

---

Big C said:

---

Cal88 said:

---

Maybe a program to foster a pick-up culture among young players age 10-16, urban league, futsal etc.

Soccer moms hiring a recovery and speed coach for little Johnny is not going to do it.

---

My daughter is a case in point: Soccer is her main outside-of-school activity, but she rarely plays pick-up games. (Open field space can be an issue where we live, granted.) Also doesn't follow high-level soccer too closely.

Her team practices three times a week in late summer, the fall and the spring. In winter, she does "winter clinic" and futsol one time per week, each. Maybe she does a camp in early summer. In a year, she probably plays 30 games on weekends, between her team and guest-playing for another team in her club)

She's currently doing 8th grade track and field for conditioning purposes (plus her friend is doing it). When I asked her why, instead, doesn't she run on her own or play pick-up games, she said she really knows I love her when I gotta drop another $350 for her latest activity.

(ok, kidding about that very last part, but you get the idea... )

---

The women's game is different. There is way more variability in athletic ability among women. That is why we are competitive in women's soccer because our athletic ability and size compensates for our lack of quality. In men's soccer we do not have an athletic/demographic advantage. We have to come up to the soccer quality of the best nations. I am holding back my explanation as to why we have not gotten there. We are getting better.

---

Another possible reason for our women's success is that girls'/women's sports opportunities, in a lot of countries, might be behind the US. There are probably a lot of countries that have significant populations where playing sports isn't what females "should be doing".

concordtom said:

---

Cal88 said:

---

Maybe a program to foster a pick-up culture among young players age 10-16, urban league, futsal etc.

Soccer moms hiring a recovery and speed coach for little Johnny is not going to do it.

---

Gee, that's NEVER been thought of before.
Hahahaha

---

That's not what you think it means, hehe.

https://diablovalleyfutsal.com/

https://copastc.com/youth-leagues/

https://mustangsoccer.ottosport.ai/programs/soccer-camps/winter-programs/bronco-futsal


What was that Big C was saying about new activities which cost parents money, and time driving them places?

concordtom said:

---

sluggo said:

---

Big C said:

---

Cal88 said:

---

Maybe a program to foster a pick-up culture among young players age 10-16, urban league, futsal etc.

Soccer moms hiring a recovery and speed coach for little Johnny is not going to do it.

---

My daughter is a case in point: Soccer is her main outside-of-school activity, but she rarely plays pick-up games. (Open field space can be an issue where we live, granted.) Also doesn't follow high-level soccer too closely.

Her team practices three times a week in late summer, the fall and the spring. In winter, she does "winter clinic" and futsol one time per week, each. Maybe she does a camp in early summer. In a year, she probably plays 30 games on weekends, between her team and guest-playing for another team in her club)

She's currently doing 8th grade track and field for conditioning purposes (plus her friend is doing it). When I asked her why, instead, doesn't she run on her own or play pick-up games, she said she really knows I love her when I gotta drop another $350 for her latest activity.

(ok, kidding about that very last part, but you get the idea... )

---

The women's game is different. There is way more variability in athletic ability among women. That is why we are competitive in women's soccer because our athletic ability and size compensates for our lack of quality. In men's soccer we do not have an athletic/demographic advantage. We have to come up to the soccer quality of the best nations. I am holding back my explanation as to why we have not gotten there. We are getting better.

---

I'm holding my breath.

---

You don't judge a student until after the final exam, which in this case is the World Cup. Let's see how we look before passing judgment. In 2014 we were played off the field by Belgium but were almost saved by our goalkeeper standing on his head. 2018 was a disaster. In 2022 our coach was bad and we lacked depth so our players were not right against the Netherlands. I have faint hope we will be better this year.

Big C said:

---

sluggo said:

---

Big C said:

---

Cal88 said:

---

Maybe a program to foster a pick-up culture among young players age 10-16, urban league, futsal etc.

Soccer moms hiring a recovery and speed coach for little Johnny is not going to do it.

---

My daughter is a case in point: Soccer is her main outside-of-school activity, but she rarely plays pick-up games. (Open field space can be an issue where we live, granted.) Also doesn't follow high-level soccer too closely.

Her team practices three times a week in late summer, the fall and the spring. In winter, she does "winter clinic" and futsol one time per week, each. Maybe she does a camp in early summer. In a year, she probably plays 30 games on weekends, between her team and guest-playing for another team in her club)

She's currently doing 8th grade track and field for conditioning purposes (plus her friend is doing it). When I asked her why, instead, doesn't she run on her own or play pick-up games, she said she really knows I love her when I gotta drop another $350 for her latest activity.

(ok, kidding about that very last part, but you get the idea... )

---

The women's game is different. There is way more variability in athletic ability among women. That is why we are competitive in women's soccer because our athletic ability and size compensates for our lack of quality. In men's soccer we do not have an athletic/demographic advantage. We have to come up to the soccer quality of the best nations. I am holding back my explanation as to why we have not gotten there. We are getting better.

---

Another possible reason for our women's success is that girls'/women's sports opportunities, in a lot of countries, might be behind the US. There are probably a lot of countries that have significant populations where playing sports isn't what females "should be doing".

---

30 years ago this was true. But women's soccer is having its moment with crowds filling up the big stadiums in Europe.

The (potentially) best soccer game of the year will be this Saturday between Arsenal and PSG at 9am on CBS for the European club championship (also knows as the Champions League). Club soccer is higher level than World Cup level because the teams practice together nearly year round and thus can implement more complicated strategies than are possible for national teams. PSG should be favored, I think. Their athleticism is out of this world. Arsenal usually dominates the ball and wins low scoring games. It will be interesting to see how they choose to play each other.

concordtom said:

---

https://diablovalleyfutsal.com/

https://copastc.com/youth-leagues/

https://mustangsoccer.ottosport.ai/programs/soccer-camps/winter-programs/bronco-futsal


What was that Big C was saying about new activities which cost parents money, and time driving them places?

---

Our daughter's soccer seems inexpensive when compared to our son's rowing (2.5x more $$$$).

If we were a little more well-off, it would not really be a problem. If we were a little less well-off, we could probably qualify for one of the organizations' scholarships. I probably spend another 3-4 hours a week shlepping kids to practice (and we're in carpools for both). Can anybody here play the violin for me?

Back to the subject at hand: Hearing you guys talk about soccer will probably get me to watch more WC. Thx and keep it up!

sluggo said:

---

concordtom said:

---

sluggo said:

---

Big C said:

---

Cal88 said:

---

Maybe a program to foster a pick-up culture among young players age 10-16, urban league, futsal etc.

Soccer moms hiring a recovery and speed coach for little Johnny is not going to do it.

---

My daughter is a case in point: Soccer is her main outside-of-school activity, but she rarely plays pick-up games. (Open field space can be an issue where we live, granted.) Also doesn't follow high-level soccer too closely.

Her team practices three times a week in late summer, the fall and the spring. In winter, she does "winter clinic" and futsol one time per week, each. Maybe she does a camp in early summer. In a year, she probably plays 30 games on weekends, between her team and guest-playing for another team in her club)

She's currently doing 8th grade track and field for conditioning purposes (plus her friend is doing it). When I asked her why, instead, doesn't she run on her own or play pick-up games, she said she really knows I love her when I gotta drop another $350 for her latest activity.

(ok, kidding about that very last part, but you get the idea... )

---

The women's game is different. There is way more variability in athletic ability among women. That is why we are competitive in women's soccer because our athletic ability and size compensates for our lack of quality. In men's soccer we do not have an athletic/demographic advantage. We have to come up to the soccer quality of the best nations. I am holding back my explanation as to why we have not gotten there. We are getting better.

---

I'm holding my breath.

---

You don't judge a student until after the final exam, which in this case is the World Cup. Let's see how we look before passing judgment. In 2014 we were played off the field by Belgium but were almost saved by our goalkeeper standing on his head. 2018 was a disaster. In 2022 our coach was bad and we lacked depth so our players were not right against the Netherlands. I have faint hope we will be better this year.

---

Wondolowski!
Diablo FC's own.

Oh, what could have been!!!!

Big C said:

---

concordtom said:

---

https://diablovalleyfutsal.com/

https://copastc.com/youth-leagues/

https://mustangsoccer.ottosport.ai/programs/soccer-camps/winter-programs/bronco-futsal


What was that Big C was saying about new activities which cost parents money, and time driving them places?

---

Our daughter's soccer seems inexpensive when compared to our son's rowing (2.5x more $$$$).

If we were a little more well-off, it would not really be a problem. If we were a little less well-off, we could probably qualify for one of the organizations' scholarships. I probably spend another 3-4 hours a week shlepping kids to practice (and we're in carpools for both). Can anybody here play the violin for me?

Back to the subject at hand: Hearing you guys talk about soccer will probably get me to watch more WC. Thx and keep it up!

---

I'll play violin for you, no problem.
I'm 5 daughters deep!

My recommendation is to buy a 100" tv and host some WC game parties.
Invite me over!

sluggo said:

---

The (potentially) best soccer game of the year will be this Saturday between Arsenal and PSG at 9am on CBS for the European club championship (also knows as the Champions League). Club soccer is higher level than World Cup level because the teams practice together nearly year round and thus can implement more complicated strategies than are possible for national teams. PSG should be favored, I think. Their athleticism is out of this world. Arsenal usually dominates the ball and wins low scoring games. It will be interesting to see how they choose to play each other.

---

Disagree. The best teams in the world throughout history were national selections. The top 5-10 national teams are basically all-star teams where players are on the same wavelength and most players national selection careers span several years, so there is actually quite a bit of continuity.

You also don't have the same level of passion in club football, it is for the paycheck. A world cup is worth 10 league trophies and nearly as many CL titles.

DO NOT QUOTE THIS WHEN REPLYING - TOO LONG

Top 100 players, ranked

https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/world-cup-2026-ranking-best-100-players

We have to wait for their top 10.

This list is kind of silly.
Multiple players shown didn't get included in their squad, such as Jaoa Pedro 68 and 33 Cole Palmer.

Others are out due to injuries - they made the list before squads were released. Ooops.

There are text descriptions on every player, plus video explanation on the link if you just can't enough.

Further, Cristiano Ronaldo is like 42? No way. It'll be interesting to see how he does at this ripe age. He's been playing in Saudi Arabia for hundreds of millions and is nearly 40 years old?

Messi is in the top 25? Out of Miami? We will see if his game has softened as a result of playing in the USA league.

I notice that Turkey is ahead of USA on this list, and we play them!

Turkey has a decent domestic league and a large talent pool being the biggest country currently in UEFA.

Cal88 said:

---

sluggo said:

---

The (potentially) best soccer game of the year will be this Saturday between Arsenal and PSG at 9am on CBS for the European club championship (also knows as the Champions League). Club soccer is higher level than World Cup level because the teams practice together nearly year round and thus can implement more complicated strategies than are possible for national teams. PSG should be favored, I think. Their athleticism is out of this world. Arsenal usually dominates the ball and wins low scoring games. It will be interesting to see how they choose to play each other.

---

Disagree. The best teams in the world throughout history were national selections. The top 5-10 national teams are basically all-star teams where players are on the same wavelength and most players national selection careers span several years, so there is actually quite a bit of continuity.

You also don't have the same level of passion in club football, it is for the paycheck. A world cup is worth 10 league trophies and nearly as many CL titles.

---

We may just disagree. I am not talking about historically, I am talking about in 2026. The top 5-10 club teams are also all-star teams, in PSG's case using unlimited middle eastern money, but they draw from a bigger population. PSG has players from France, Portugal, Brazil, Russia, Italy, Morocco, Ukraine, Ecuador, Spain, Tunisia, Georgia the country, and Senegal. As good as France and Spain are at developing talent, there is no way they can compete with that.

Now that analytics have been involved in the last 25 years, the level of strategy of club teams is much higher. This is not in dispute.

The passion for club may be less than for country, but this is not always the case. I do agree that there is a passion argument for the World Cup, and that I suspect most players would prefer a WC trophy. Nevertheless, I think the club soccer we will see on Saturday is the highest level that the game is being played right now.

What is interesting about the list is the opponents on it. Kenan Yildiz is a sensational and I think underrated left winger. He broke through at Juventus, McKennie's team, at the age of 18 and is now 21 and has been a key player there since. He is fast and a good dribbler and never stops. I think he is substantially better than Christian Pulisic, who plays more or less the same position. I just read he was born and trained in Germany with a German father and Turkish mother. He is good enough to have played for Germany had he wanted to.

Arda Guler is also 21 but broke through at 16 at a big club in Turkey before moving to Real Madrid. This year he sometimes started for Madrid, which is very impressive. He is a small guy who plays center midfield and is tremendous on the ball. I hope the US midfielders use their superior size to make him feel the game. He plays with an off-putting smirk on his face.

The other Turkish players should be good enough but the key is to slow down Yildiz and Guler.

Your weekend of soccer continues with the USA-Senegal match on Sunday (1230pm on TBS). I think the US will come out with its starters and preferred formation, whoever and whatever that may be. If a player gets injured there is still a day to drop them. The only question is whether Chris Richards is ready to go.

I believe the game the following week against Germany will be lower intensity and less playing time for regulars to prevent injury.

Full list of pre-tournament games for WC 2026 teams
Algeria: v Netherlands (June 1)
Argentina: v Honduras (June 7), v Iceland (June 9)
Australia: v Mexico (May 31), v Switzerland (June 6)
Austria: v Tunisia (June 1), v Guatemala (June 11)
Belgium: v Croatia (June 2), v Tunisia (June 6)
Bosnia & Herzegovina: v North Macedonia (May 29), v Panama (June 6)
Brazil: v Panama (May 31), v Egypt (June 6)
Canada: v Uzbekistan (June 2), v Republic of Ireland (June 6)
Cape Verde: v Serbia (May 31), v Bermuda (June 6)
Colombia: v Costa Rica (June 2), v Jordan (June 8)
Croatia: v Belgium (June 2), v Slovenia (June 7)
Curaao: v Scotland (May 30), v Aruba (June 7)
Czech Republic: v Kosovo (May 31), v Guatemala (June 5)
DR Congo: v Denmark (June 3), v Chile (June 9)
Ecuador: v Saudi Arabia (May 31), v Guatemala (June 7)
Egypt: v Russia (May 28), v Brazil (June 6)
England: v New Zealand (June 6), v Costa Rica (June 10)
France: v Ivory Coast (June 4), v Northern Ireland (June 8)
Germany: v Finland (May 31), v United States (June 6)
Ghana: v Mexico (May 23), v Wales (June 2)
Haiti: v New Zealand (June 3), v Peru (June 6)
Iran: v Gambia (May 29)
Iraq: v Andorra (May 29), v Spain (June 4)
Ivory Coast: v France (June 4)
Japan: v Iceland (May 31)
Jordan: v Switzerland (May 31), v Colombia (June 8)
Mexico: v Ghana (May 23), v Australia (May 31), v Serbia (June 5)
Morocco: v Burundi (May 26), v Madagascar (June 2), v Norway (June 7)
Netherlands: v Algeria (June 3), v Uzbekistan (June 8)
New Zealand: v Haiti (June 3), v England (June 6)
Norway: v Sweden (June 1), v Morocco (June 7)
Panama: v Brazil (May 31), v Dominican Republic (June 4), v Bosnia & Herzegovina (June 6)
Paraguay: v Nicaragua (June 5)
Portugal: v Chile (June 6), v Nigeria (June 10)
Qatar: v Sudan (May 21), v Republic of Ireland (May 28), v El Salvador (June 6)
Saudi Arabia: v Ecuador (May 31), v Senegal (June 10)
Scotland: v Curaao (May 30), v Bolivia (June 6)
Senegal: v USA (May 31), v Saudi Arabia (June 10)
South Africa: v Nicaragua (May 29)
South Korea: v Trinidad and Tobago (May 31), v El Salvador (June 4)
Spain: v Iraq (June 4), v Peru (June 9)
Sweden: v Norway (June 1), v Greece (June 4)
Switzerland: v Jordan (May 31), v Australia (June 6)
Tunisia: v Austria (June 1), v Belgium (June 6)
Trkiye: v North Macedonia (June 1), v Venezuela (June 7)
United States: v Senegal (May 31), v Germany (June 6)
Uzbekistan: v Canada (June 2), v Netherlands (June 8)

concordtom said:

---

DO NOT QUOTE THIS WHEN REPLYING - TOO LONG

---

How about don't ****ing image spam the board in the first place dummy?

Your mother would not be proud of the lack of manners you exhibit here.

sluggo said:

---

Cal88 said:

---

sluggo said:

---

The (potentially) best soccer game of the year will be this Saturday between Arsenal and PSG at 9am on CBS for the European club championship (also knows as the Champions League). Club soccer is higher level than World Cup level because the teams practice together nearly year round and thus can implement more complicated strategies than are possible for national teams. PSG should be favored, I think. Their athleticism is out of this world. Arsenal usually dominates the ball and wins low scoring games. It will be interesting to see how they choose to play each other.

---

Disagree. The best teams in the world throughout history were national selections. The top 5-10 national teams are basically all-star teams where players are on the same wavelength and most players national selection careers span several years, so there is actually quite a bit of continuity.

You also don't have the same level of passion in club football, it is for the paycheck. A world cup is worth 10 league trophies and nearly as many CL titles.

---

We may just disagree. I am not talking about historically, I am talking about in 2026. The top 5-10 club teams are also all-star teams, in PSG's case using unlimited middle eastern money, but they draw from a bigger population. PSG has players from France, Portugal, Brazil, Russia, Italy, Morocco, Ukraine, Ecuador, Spain, Tunisia, Georgia the country, and Senegal. As good as France and Spain are at developing talent, there is no way they can compete with that.

Now that analytics have been involved in the last 25 years, the level of strategy of club teams is much higher. This is not in dispute.

The passion for club may be less than for country, but this is not always the case. I do agree that there is a passion argument for the World Cup, and that I suspect most players would prefer a WC trophy. Nevertheless, I think the club soccer we will see on Saturday is the highest level that the game is being played right now.

---

Well, I guess I know what I'm doing tomorrow morning!!!

Thx!!

I think they should have the champions league winner play the WC winner,
But I'm not sure how to handle those who are on both squads.
Pay them $10 M to not play on either team but be paraded around the stadium on a chariot??
Hahaha! That could be awesome.

I'll go with the Club team over the national team!!!
They pay more, for one thing!!!

Has the pregame show started yet??

concordtom said:

---

Has the pregame show started yet??

---

The long pregame will be on Paramount Plus. I am still sleeping.

Allez Paris!

Crappy defensive organization on that early goal. Poor goalkeeping effort too.

The Arse is parking the bus, several instances of 11 players on their third when PSG has possession.

Here are the confirmed starting lineups and full substitute benches for today's 2026 Champions League Final: PSG vs Arsenal, along with each player's nationality.
All lineup data is sourced directly from UEFA and multiple matchday reports. nogomania... +1

---

Starting Lineups (with Nationalities)
---

Paris SaintGermain Starting XI

(Manager: Luis Enrique)

Player Position Country
Matvei Safonov GK Russia
Achraf Hakimi RB Morocco
Marquinhos CB Brazil
Willian Pacho CB Ecuador
Nuno Mendes LB Portugal
Joo Neves CM Portugal
Vitinha CM Portugal
Fabin Ruiz CM Spain
Warren ZareEmery (listed as Dou in some reports) RW/CM France
Ousmane Dembl RW France
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia LW Georgia


Starting XI confirmed by UEFA and multiple outlets. nogomania... +1

---

Arsenal Starting XI

(Manager: Mikel Arteta)

Player Position Country
David Raya GK Spain
Jhon Jder Mosquera RB Colombia
William Saliba CB France
Gabriel Magalhes CB Brazil
Piero Hincapi LB Ecuador
Declan Rice CM England
Ethan Nwaneri / LewisSkelly (listed as LewisSkelly) CM England
Bukayo Saka RW England
Martin degaard CAM Norway
Leandro Trossard LW Belgium
Kai Havertz CF Germany


Starting XI confirmed by UEFA and matchday reports. nogomania... +1

---

Substitutes (with Nationalities)

---

PSG Bench

Player Position Country
Lucas Chevalier GK France
Arnau Tenas / Marin (listed as Marin) GK Spain
Lucas Beraldo CB Brazil
Illia Zabarnyi CB Ukraine
Theo Hernndez LB France
Gonalo Ramos ST Portugal
Lee Kangin AM South Korea
Mayulu MF France
Carlos Soler / Fernandez (listed as Fernandez) MF Spain
Bradley Barcola Winger France
Mbaye MF Senegal
Warren ZareEmery (if not starting) MF France


Bench list from Nogomania match report. nogomania.com

---

Arsenal Bench

Player Position Country
Kepa Arrizabalaga GK Spain
Gabriel Jesus FW Brazil
Eberechi Eze AM England
Gabriel Martinelli LW Brazil
Jurrien Timber DF Netherlands
Viktor Gyökeres ST Sweden
Christian Nrgaard MF Denmark
Noni Madueke RW England
Mikel Merino MF Spain
Riccardo Calafiori DF Italy
Martn Zubimendi MF Spain
Dowman MF England


Bench list confirmed by Nogomania. nogomania.com