Connect with us

USMNT

World Cup Format History

Published

on

by Thomas Deschaine

A new year and a new FIFA World Cup cycle are upon us with many questions remaining on what the second half of the FIFA window and World Cup Qualifying will look like along with what the 2026 FIFA World Cup expanded 48-team format will be.

On December 4th during the Round of 16 knockout stage of the 2022 World Cup FIFA’s chief of global football, Arsene Wenger said that the format for the 2026 World Cup hadn’t been officially decided on. It was originally reported that the format for the 2026 World Cup was going to be 16 Groups of 3 with the top two teams in each group advancing to a round of 32 knockout stage. This format wouldn’t allow for, what was a very exciting final group stage match days at the 2022 World Cup, with all teams in the group playing at the same time, and very likely why FIFA has pretty much abandoned the Group of 3 format.

The two remaining format options for the 2026 World Cup are pretty much the same and would see 12 groups of 4 teams with the top two finishers in each group advancing with the best third-placed teams advancing to the round of 32. The only difference between the two options would see the second option spilt the 48 teams into two 24 teams groups of six with the top two from each group advancing with the four best third-place finishers from the six groups advanced to the knockout round of 16 teams, this change would result in 104 matches being played rather than the 80 matches played during the 1998 to 2022 World Cups. I estimate another week would be needed which approaches up to or nearly 40 days of the tournament from would start to finish.

Three options were provided, the first would be 16 groups of three teams with the top 2 teams advancing to the round of 32. The second option would be 12 groups of four with the best third-placed teams advancing with the top two finishers in each group. The final option seems very similar to the second option but splits the 48 teams into two 24 teams groups of 6 with the top 2 in each group along with the best third-placed teams advancing to a round of 16 with the winners of each group playing in the final. 

Here’s a look at the different World Cup formats used from the beginning.

1930 – 18 Matches Played – Tournament Length (17 Days)

13 Teams – 1 Group of 4 and 3 Groups of 3 Teams

Each of the four group winners advanced to the semi-final knockout stage, with no third-place match being played.

1934 – 1938 – 17 to 18 Matches Played – Tournament Length (14 to 15 Days)

16 Teams – Round of 16 Knockout Stage Tournament

For the 1934 and 1938 FIFA World Cup the group stage format used during the 1930 World Cup was abandoned for a round of 16 knockout tournament. If matches were tied after 90 minutes an additional 30 minutes of extra time was played. If the score was still tied after the extra time, the match would be replayed the following day.

1950 – 22 Matches Played – Tournament Length (22 Days)

13 Teams – 4 Groups of 4 Teams, 1 Group of 3 Teams and 1 Group of 2 Teams.

In an effort to maximize the number of matches and ticket sales, the Brazilian organizers proposed that the 13 teams be divided into four groups, with the winner from each group advancing to a final group stage of four teams. This format would guarantee more matches for teams making the journey from Europe.

1954 – 1970 – 26 & 32* Matches Played – Tournament Length (18 to 26 Days)

16 Teams – 4 Groups of 4 Teams


While the 1954 tournament had 16 teams with 4 groups of 4 teams, each group had two seeded teams and two unseeded teams with the seeded teams only playing the 2 unseeded teams. Extra time during the 1954 World Cup was played during the group stage, which in most tournaments wasn’t the norm, but was used in 1954 if the teams were tied after 90 minutes. 

For the 1958-1970 World Cups FIFA went back to more of a traditional format with the top two teams in each group advancing to the quarter-finals of the knockout stage but in the 1958 World Cup 3 playoff matches as tie-breakers to decide which second and third-place teams would advance out of the group stage. Going forward goal differential would be used as the first tiebreaker. 

1974 – 197838 Matches Played – Tournament Length (24 Days)

16 Teams – 4 Groups of 4 Teams

The top two teams from each group advance to the second round and split into two groups of four. The winners of each group then play each other in the final, and the second-place finishers in the third-place match.

1982 – 52 Matches – Tournament Length (28 Days)

24 Teams – 6 Groups of 4 Teams

The top two teams in each group advance to the second round with the twelve remaining teams split into four groups of three teams each, with the winner of each group progressing to the knockout semi-final stage.

1986 – 1994 – 52 Matches – Tournament Length (29 to 30 Days)

24 Teams – 6 Groups of 4 Teams

The top two teams in each group advance with the four best third-place finishers from the six groups advanced to the knockout round of 16 teams.

1998 – 2022 – 64 Matches – Tournament Length (28 to 32 Days)

32 Teams – 8 Groups of 4 Teams

About a month before the 1994 World Cup the international governing body voted in Zurich, Switzerland to expand to 32 teams from 24 starting in 1998 which would add an additional 12 matches to the tournament while generating more revenue. It would result in 8 groups of 4 teams with the top two teams in each group advance to a Round of 16.

Continue Reading

USMNT

Concacaf Gold Cup is becoming tarnished

Published

on

Thomas Deschaine (@uskeeper on X and us_keeper on Instagram)

Not long ago, winning your confederation’s tournament earned a spot in the FIFA Confederations Cup, a prestigious competition held in the World Cup host nation the summer before the world’s biggest tournament.

The tournament featured the champions of all six confederations (AFC, CAF, CONCACAF, CONMEBOL, OFC, and UEFA), along with the reigning FIFA World Cup winner and the host nation, rounding out the field to eight teams. The tournament was last played in 2017.

The Concacaf Gold Cup is a semi-cycle tournament played in the first and third years of the cycle. The CAF Africa Cup of Nations is the only other confederation that plays two tournaments a cycle, and in many circles, the frequency of the Concacaf Gold Cup and the addition of the Concacaf Nations League has made the Gold Cup a throwaway tournament for the USMNT, as it’s been six years since the so called A list player pool has played in the event.

It raises the question for FIFA and Concacaf: should the Gold Cup be played once a cycle, and should FIFA consider bringing back the Confederations Cup?

The USMNT won the inaugural Gold Cup in 1991 and has claimed seven of the 17 editions since. Only two other CONCACAF nations Mexico (9) and Canada (1)—have lifted the trophy, and both are contenders in this edition.

The USMNT has a strong track record at the Gold Cup, finishing first in their group every year except 2011. They’ve reached 12 finals, with a record of 69 wins, 12 draws, and 9 losses, scoring 189 goals and conceding just 60


Gold Cup Player Stats

Across 17 editions of the Gold Cup, the USMNT has netted 189 goals, conceded just 60, and recorded 50 clean sheets. Here’s a look at the players who made it happen, those who found the back of the net, and those who kept it out.

Goals


18-Landon Donovan
13-Clint Dempsey
9-Eric Wynalda
8-Brian McBride
7-Jesus Ferreira

Assists


16-Landon Donovan
7-Michael Bradley
6-DaMarcus Beasley
6-Alejandro Bedoya
6-Eric Wynalda
5-Clint Dempsey

Wins


17-Kasey Keller
11-Tim Howard
8-Tony Meola
7-Matt Turner

Shutouts


14-Kasey Keller
8-Tim Howard
6-Tony Meola
6-Matt Turner

Captain

10-Michael Bradley
10-Kasey Keller
9-Carlos Bocanegra
8-Tony Meola
7-Claudio Reyna

Gold Cup Manager Stats

Over the past 34 years, the USMNT has reached 12 of the 17 Gold Cup finals under the leadership of seven different managers. Here’s a look at how each of them performed.

Matches Coached


25-Bruce Arena
18-Bob Bradley
12-Gregg Berhalter
12-Jurgen Klinsmann
10-Bora Milutinovic
8-Steve Sampson
5-B.J. Callaghan

Matches Won


19-Bruce Arena – GF-52-, GA-14
14-Bob Bradley – GF-34, GA-17
11-Gregg Berhalter – GF-26, GA-3
9-Jurgen Klinsmann – GF-32, GA-9
8-Bora Milutinovic – GF-15, GA-8
6-Steve Sampson – GF-14, GA-5
2-B.J. Callaghan – GF-16, GA-4

Gold Cup Trophies


3-Bruce Arena
1-Gregg Berhalter
1-Bob Bradley
1-Jurgen Klinsmann
1-Bora Milutinovic

Conclusion

In the future, U.S. Soccer and the USMNT should clearly communicate roster expectations for the Gold Cup, especially if a full A-list squad is not planned. Transparency on this front is essential, as it directly affects fan interest and attendance.

Continue Reading

Club News

From Louisville to Lisbon: Joshua Wynder’s Journey with S.L. Benfica

Published

on

The current state of the USMNT has been at an all-time low since Couva in 2017.  One of the positions in dire situation is Center Back.  Tim Ream will be 38 by the time of the 2026 World Cup.  Chris Richards has too many highs and lows and has not shown his club form with the US.  Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty have yet to perform for the national team.  Miles Robinson, despite what many MLS fans want to believe, is not good enough and makes too many errors, like the second Turkish goal on June 7th, 2025.  Walker Zimmerman has one World Cup left in him and he has a history of making critical errors as well, like the penalty against Gareth Bale in the 2022 World Cup.  Lastly, Mark McKenzie has improved his game since his move to Toulouse, but he is lacking the deserved opportunities and a good partnership.

Our U20 CBs will need to be called up sooner rather than later, either before or immediately after the 2026 World Cup.  The top 3 prospects by fans and analysts are Noahkai Banks, Matai Akinmboni, and Joshua Wynder.  Of the three, Joshua Wynder is the oldest at 20 years old and is part of a club that is world-renowned for their development, S.L. Benfica.

How did Wynder manage to accomplish such a move from Louisville City in the USL Championship to Benfica?  To summarize, Wynder had a breakout season for Lou City at 17 years old in 2022, so much so that he was included in the US U20 World Cup team in 2023. 

LOUvOKC.Photographer: EM Dash Photography

Wynder secured a spot to go on trial at Benfica and passed.  On June 8th, 2023, Benfica officially acquired Joshua Wynder from Lou City for a record-breaking $1.2 million transfer fee, which still stands today.

Louisville City FC, LOUvPIT.Photographer: EM Dash Photography

Benfica registered Wynder with the second team for the 2023/2024 season, who participate in Liga Portugal 2.  Due to Portuguese rules (players play in the youth system until they are 19 years old), he spent the season with Benfica’s UEFA Youth League team and U23 team and only received 21 minutes with the B team until a season-ending injury.  What began as a promising start, with the support of the fans, was cut short after just six matches.  The following season went according to plan for Wynder.  Wynder became a consistent starter for the B team where he started in 29 matches and appeared in a total of 31 matches.  He also scored four goals, all headers from corners. 


His success with the B team made him a fan-favorite and several calls to be called up to the first team by fans on social media.  That day came on April 9th, 2025, when he made the team sheet for Benfica’s Taça de Portugal Semi-Final match against FC Tirsense.  Wynder made his first team debut when he was subbed in at the 76th minute mark of that match.  He made a following appearance on the bench for the first team in their second leg match against FC Tirsense.

As early as November 27, 2024, it was reported by Glorioso 1904 that Joshua Wynder had gained the attention of the Benfica manager, Bruno Lage.  The report further said that Wynder was becoming an option for the next season’s first team.  A similar report surfaced on March 25, 2025, by Record, in Portugal, that Wynder is on track to be with the first team for the 2025/2026 season.  That day may be coming sooner rather than later.  Joshua Wynder will be joining Benfica on their 2025 Club World Cup campaign.  This will be a true test for him to prove to Bruno Lage that he is ready to be part of the first team for the upcoming 2025/2026 Liga Portugal and UEFA Champions League season.  If he is given serious minutes with the first team and performs, Joshua Wynder needs to be considered for the 2026 World Cup or immediately following the World Cup.


Benfica is in Group C of the Club World Cup with Auckland City, Bayern München, and Boca Juniors.  Their first match is against Boca Juniors, 33-time Argentine champions, on June 16th.  Game two is on June 20th against 10-time New Zealander champions, Auckland City FC.  Lastly, their 3rd group stage match is against the 6-time UEFA Champions League winners, Bayern München, on June 24th.

Continue Reading

USMNT

A Legacy of Stars and Stripes: The Evolution of the USWNT Kits

Published

on

Thomas Deschaine (@uskeeper on X and us_keeper on Instagram)

The release of new kits is always an exciting moment for U.S. Soccer fans. Traditionally, U.S. Soccer unveils new designs during the spring or summer international windows. The USMNT did have their 2022 World Cup kits released in September, three months before the World Cup.

The USWNT recently debuted their new home kit during their last two friendlies, while the USMNT is expected to showcase their new away kit in the lead-up to the 2025 Gold Cup.

U.S. Soccer has unveiled two stunning new kits for the USWNT. The home jersey, dubbed The Brilliant Kit, will make its debut when the USWNT faces China. The away jersey, known as The Heartbeat Kit, will be worn by both the USWNT and USMNT. Both designs have been met with widespread praise from fans, with many calling them among the best in recent memory. I believe these are the sharpest U.S. kits we’ve seen in nearly fifteen years.

History of the USWNT Kit

For those who follow me on social media, you might remember a project I completed back in 2022, where I tracked the history of the USMNT from the evolution of the U.S. Soccer crest to the iconic team kits. Now, I’m channeling that same passion into a new labor of love: researching and recreating the kits of the USWNT to help preserve and celebrate their rich history.

USWNT Kits – 1985 – 1993

Forty years ago, the U.S. Women’s National Team played it’s first-ever match, wearing a white Adidas home kit with red diagonal pinstripes. But like many things in those early days, the kit wasn’t made with the women’s player in mind. The kits were designed for the men’s players in size and fit. For years, USWNT players were forced to pin back and alter oversized uniforms just to keep them from getting in the way on the field. It wasn’t until 1994 that they finally received a kit specifically tailored for women.

USWNT Kits 1994 – 2011

In 1994, the final year Adidas outfitted U.S. Soccer, the USWNT finally received its first uniquely designed kit made specifically for women. This marked the beginning of a new era, with the team continuing to wear custom kits through the 2011 World Cup.

USWNT Kits – 2012 – Current

Starting in 2012, Nike decided to unify the look of the USWNT and USMNT by having both teams wear the same kits. However, there have been a few exceptions over the years where one team debuted a unique design. A recent example is the newly released USWNT home kit, while the USMNT continues to wear the 2024 home kit.

USWNT and USMNT Kits Going Forward

Nike hit the most recent kit release out of the pitch, and it raises the question of what will be next for the USWNT and USMNT kit creations. The 2026 World Cup will see at least two new kits for the USMNT, with the USWNT likely wearing one or both of them.

For decades, both the USWNT and USMNT have struggled to establish a strong, unified identity through their kits. While some designs are instantly recognizable, there’s still a sense that both teams lack a distinct visual representation that truly reflects who they are. I hope that Nike continues to create kits that bring both teams together, while also allowing for occasional unique designs, once or twice per cycle, that capture the essence of American identity, something both teams have long needed

The true identity of the USWNT and USMNT is embodied in the Stars and Stripes, woven together in red, white, and blue, perhaps with the addition of a bold sash to complete the look.

Continue Reading

Trending