Off the Pitch

How Are The World Cup Groups Determined?

Qualification games started in 2019 for all 6 of the confederations around the world.

Each confederation is designated a certain amount of slots for teams to qualify. 

AFC (Asia): 4 or 5

CAF (Africa): 5

CONCACAF (North/Central America & Caribbean): 3 or 4

CONMEBOL (South America): 4 or 5

OFC (Oceania): 0 or 1

UEFA (Europe): 13

The 32 teams that qualify, are then placed into 4 pots based on their FIFA ranking.

The top 7 teams plus the host are placed in pot 1.

“I’m Not Dissing Harry Maguire” Alphonso Davies Says As He Disses The Hell Out Of United’s Captain

Canada and Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies is learning how one simple comment can create a media whirlwind. I hate to add onto the storm, but as someone who writes about soccer, I must answer the question people might be asking. That question being: what did Alphonso Davies say about Harry Maguire?

Maguire has had a season to forget with Manchester United. His games have been strewn with mistakes, errors and opponents scoring goals. United’s captain and head of defense has received hefty criticism and has almost become public enemy No. 1 for United fans.

USA Fans Have Some Of The Worst Soccer Chants And Need Some New Ones For The World Cup

Some of the worst USA soccer chants are used far too often.

When the United States was paired with England in the 2022 World Cup draw, I knew there were going to be problems. With the shared language and historic rivalry on and off the field, there was bound to be beef. Fights on the internet broke out almost immediately between the two fan bases, with England fans pointing out Americans’ chants. 

Maradona’s Most Famous Shirt Expected To Sell For Record Price At Auction

The shirt worn by Diego Maradona when he scored his infamous "Hand of God" goal against England at the 1986 World Cup is expected to sell for at least 4 million pounds ($5.23 million), auctioneer Sotherby's said on Wednesday.

The shirt is owned by former England midfielder Steve Hodge, who swapped shirts with Maradona after Argentina won the match 2-1 thanks to two goals by the forward, the second a solo effort considered to be one of the greatest ever scored.

Paramount+ Crew Provides The Desperately Needed Entertainment During City-Atlético Snooze Fest

Manchester City worked tirelessly on Tuesday to break through Atlético Madrid’s defense to earn a 1-0 victory in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal. The game was advertised as an unstoppable force meets immovable object, and Atlético Madrid delivered in terms of dropping everyone into defense.

Julie Ertz Announces She’s Pregnant With First Child

In February, we learned USWNT stalwart Julie Ertz wouldn’t play in the NWSL in 2022. On April 4, we learned why. Julie Ertz is pregnant.

Ertz announced she is pregnant on social media on Monday, saying she and husband Zach Ertz, a professional American football player, are “adding to our starting lineup.”

USMNT vs. Iran Will Be A Clash Of Geopolitical Foes

WASHINGTON — After more than 40 years of sour relations and months of struggle to restore a nuclear deal, the United States and Iran are now set to meet on the soccer field at this year's World Cup, having landed together in Group B in Friday's draw.

The Iran and U.S. coaches sidestepped the political fracas, saying they were focused on the tournament and its ability to bring people together. England and the winners of a European playoff - Ukraine, Scotland or Wales - complete the group.

3 Good Things (And 3 Bad Things) About USMNT’s World Cup Group

No, this isn’t some cruel April Fools’ Day joke. The USMNT World Cup group really is one perhaps the most interesting possible group the Americans could have drawn on Friday. 

The U.S. will play England, Iran and the winner of the European playoff — Ukraine, Scotland or Wales — in the 2022 World Cup starting in November. It’s a fascinating group for many reasons, and one from which I think most USA fans will expect their team to advance. 

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