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Tom Hindle

@tom-hindle.bsky.social
643 followers 216 following 271 posts

Weird American ⚽️ stuff for GOAL. USL enthusiast. MLS convert. Collector of mid priced charmingly retro kits. Failing football hipster. I exist here: www.goal.com/en-us/author/thomas-hi…

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Tom Hindle @tom-hindle.bsky.social · 10h
Awesome.
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Tom Hindle @tom-hindle.bsky.social · 11h
The Dominican Republic used to be an afterthought in the soccer sphere. Here's how an Argentine coach, former Spanish youth internationals, and many, many, many hours of scouting turned things around: www.goal.com/en-us/origin...
goal.com
'Sell the legacy' - How the Dominican Republic moved beyond baseball to become a CONCACAF threat ahead of a long-awaited rivalry clash with Haiti | Goal.com US
Led by a former U.S. Youth National Team coach, the DR are dreaming big about World Cup qualification - and proving the relevance of the Nations League
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Pablo Maurer @mlsist.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
In 1991, a trio of unheralded high schoolers - two of them younger than Cavan Sullivan is today - appeared for the USMNT. Two of them would never do so again. Their story has been lost to time. I spoke to all three of them, on @us.theguardian.com: www.theguardian.com/football/202...
theguardian.com
‘I’m pretty sure I didn’t imagine it’: the little-known trio of high schoolers who made USMNT history
The idea of 16-year-olds like Cavan Sullivan playing for the US senior team was once unfathomable – until three teenagers appeared in a 1991 friendly
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Tom Hindle @tom-hindle.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
84 teenagers have played in MLS this year, which seems like quite a lot - so I asked a bunch of people about it. With input from scouts, teams, and the kids themselves, MLS's teenage revolution: www.goal.com/en-us/origin...
goal.com
‘When potential meets opportunity’ - How Cavan Sullivan, Julian Hall and a record teenage class are reshaping MLS | Goal.com US
A record 84 teenagers have played in MLS this season. GOAL explores why clubs are trusting their prospects and what it means for the next generation.
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Tom Hindle @tom-hindle.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
A question I asked in Germany last week: What is an RB Leipzig? Well... www.goal.com/en-us/origin...
goal.com
'It has changed a lot' - RB Leipzig used to be the best dealmakers in Europe, but now they have to change their approach | Goal.com US
RB Leipzig developed a reputation for identifying, buying and profiting off top talent, but shifts in the soccer landscape mean that this club has to think in new ways
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Tom Hindle @tom-hindle.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
“I can make a difference in my own way.” Talked to Cavan Sullivan about finding his groove, the USMNT, Man City and FIFA cards. www.goal.com/en-us/origin...
goal.com
'It clicked for me' - Man City-bound Cavan Sullivan is making a name for himself with Philadelphia Union as breakout fuels USMNT buzz | Goal.com US
EXCLUSIVE: With goals flowing and USMNT chatter growing, Cavan Sullivan tells GOAL how he found his confidence in Philadelphia - and why he's letting the future wait.
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Tom Hindle @tom-hindle.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
“I can make a difference in my own way.” Talked to Cavan Sullivan about finding his groove, the USMNT, Man City and FIFA cards. www.goal.com/en-us/origin...
goal.com
'It clicked for me' - Man City-bound Cavan Sullivan is making a name for himself with Philadelphia Union as breakout fuels USMNT buzz | Goal.com US
EXCLUSIVE: With goals flowing and USMNT chatter growing, Cavan Sullivan tells GOAL how he found his confidence in Philadelphia - and why he's letting the future wait.
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Tom Hindle @tom-hindle.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
MLS Next Pro rebrands are on the way, starting with NYCFC II... www.goal.com/en-us/lists/...
goal.com
NYCFC announce rebrand and relocation of MLS Next Pro team in ambitious league sponsored Hometown Soccer Holdings initiative | Goal.com US
NYCFC has announced plans for its MLS Next Pro team to relocate and rebrand in nearby Middlesex County, N.J.
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Tom Hindle @tom-hindle.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
"We understand it's a fictional character. We are not so much nuts.... "But, maybe he'll find it interesting." How a Lithuanian women's soccer team is trying to convince Ted Lasso to coach a real life football match: www.goal.com/en-us/origin...
goal.com
'We ask you to believe in us' - How FK Žalgiris are trying to convince Jason Sudeikis' Ted Lasso to coach a real-life women's soccer game | Goal.com US
FK Zalgiris, of the Lithuanian women's first division, have called on Ted Lasso to coach one of their games, and believe his presence can turn the fate of a struggling club
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Tom Hindle @tom-hindle.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Jozy Altidore is a USMNT/MLS legend whose Liga MX roots are much, much, much more apparent than you might realize. I found that really interesting, so I talked to him about the duality of it all, and where U.S. soccer is right now: www.goal.com/en-us/origin...
goal.com
'It was like I was at home' - USMNT legend Jozy Altidore on his ties to Liga MX, MLS' growth and Leagues Cup's evolving rivalry | Goal.com US
Altidore bagged 42 goals for the USMNT, but his roots were in Mexican soccer. That gives him a unique perspective as he looks at the Leagues Cup.
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Tom Hindle @tom-hindle.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Transfer market madness, Nashville being really good, and a slightly unnecessary Spurs stray... A weekend wrap-up of MLS stuff www.goal.com/en-us/lists/...
goal.com
MLS Winners and Losers: Sporting Kansas City think big with transfers, while Casemiro continues to struggle for Inter Miami | Goal.com US
One struggling MLS club got aggressive in the transfer market, while another laid some of its difficulties bare on the pitch
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Tom Hindle @tom-hindle.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Last year, Laura Harvey said that she used ChatGPT for tactical ideas. Her revelation was met with anger from the soccer world. Her admission raises a question: is she the only one? And is AI and soccer a thing? Talked to loads of people about it: www.goal.com/en-us/origin...
goal.com
'We're all looking for any advantage' - From finding Mohamed Salah's replacement at Liverpool to ChatGPT tactics: How AI is changing soccer | Goal.com US
While the morals may be vague, Artificial Intelligence is being used by clubs and leagues worldwide - GOAL details the true impact it's having on soccer
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Tom Hindle @tom-hindle.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
There is one big fat problem with Inter Miami: They're not a very good team. Messi has done a rather good job of carrying and papering over the cracks. But if his days on a soccer pitch are numbered, what the hell do Miami do about the future? www.goal.com/en-us/origin...
goal.com
Built for Lionel Messi, unprepared without him: Why Inter Miami need a succession plan or risk sliding back into mediocrity | Goal.com US
After a poor run of results, Inter Miami find themselves at a crossroads, especially with their star man's future so uncertain.
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Tom Hindle @tom-hindle.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Last night, USL did VAR but not really. A look inside FVS, what it is, and why coaches can now challenge plays www.goal.com/en-us/origin...
goal.com
Inside USL's NFL-style alternative to VAR: How FVS could offer soccer a cleaner, cheaper replay system | Goal.com US
The league is set to use FVS, a smaller-scale version of VAR that relies on coaches' challenges, not referee intervention, in the Prinx Tires Cup.
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Backheeled @backheeled.com · 12/08/2026
Chicharito is here. USL Premier seems to be coming. But questions remain. How many clubs are ready for D1? Who can meet U.S. Soccer’s stadium standards? And what will “first division” really mean? @usltactics.com digs into the road ahead for USL Premier ⤵️
backheeled.com
Chicharito is here, but questions abound about USL’s proposed first-division men’s league
The USL has started down the road toward first-division men’s soccer, but both the route to get there and the final destination itself remain unclear.
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Tom Hindle @tom-hindle.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
Robert Lewandowski, really good at football www.google.com/url?q=https:...
google.com
‘Still in preseason mode’ - Robert Lewandowski has Chicago Fire dreaming of ending nearly 20-year trophy drought | Goal.com US
The former Barcelona man has replaced Hugo Cuypers expertly, and seems primed to fire Chicago to new heights as they chase an elusive MLS Cup
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Tom Hindle @tom-hindle.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
"My name is Gianni Infantino, and here's what selling the soul of soccer taught me about B2B sales" Column on FIFA, power, and doing whatever the hell you want... www.goal.com/en/lists/gia...
goal.com
‘It is not FIFA’s to sell’ - Gianni Infantino’s $20 billion World Cup power play puts soccer’s soul up for sale - and makes resistance too expensive | Goal.com
The FIFA President has made a disheartening move by making FIFA's commercial rights for sale, yet this is simply just part of a larger depressing trend that is removing the soul from professional spor...
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Tom Hindle @tom-hindle.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
There was bit of bad World Cup. But I think there was a lot of good World Cup, too. Here’s to the good stuff (basically Erling Haaland, Scottish fans and baseball): www.goal.com/en-us/lists/...
goal.com
‘It was one world’ - How an imperfect World Cup united fans from across the globe | Goal.com US
The 2026 World Cup had plenty of flaws, but its lasting legacy may be found in the streets, bars and stadiums where cultures converged and unexpected connections were formed.
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Tom Hindle @tom-hindle.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
Talked to Zohran Mamdani about the World Cup, affordable soccer, and why watching a semifinal on Rikers Island was so, so important: www.goal.com/en-us/lists/...
goal.com
‘You’re all watching the same game’ - New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani reflects on 2026 World Cup, from Rikers Island to a lasting soccer legacy | Goal.com US
From discounted tickets and free fan festivals, to 24-hour pitches and a visit to Rikers Island, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani tells GOAL how his administration sought to make the World Cup acces...
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Tom Hindle @tom-hindle.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
If you count the pre-game ceremonies and half time show, there was nearly 40 minutes of music at yesterday's very Super Bowl-y World Cup final. The issue is this thing doesn't really work. And the football wasn't great, either. Sidebar on a WEIRD day: www.goal.com/en-us/lists/...
goal.com
'Turning strangers into friends' - FIFA's World Cup final had Shakira, Justin Bieber and Donald Trump, but soccer got lost in the spectacle | Goal.com US
FIFA's 104th and final Super Bowl delivered plenty of American pomp and circumstance, yet seemed to forget about the soccer
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Tom Hindle @tom-hindle.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
This feels like a very social media World Cup, and I find that pretty interesting. So, I talked to a few content creators who are being flown around the country to, well, create content. On the TikTokification of soccer… www.goal.com/en-us/lists/...
goal.com
‘Bring even more people into the conversation’ - The TikTok World Cup: How creators are changing the way North America watches soccer | Goal.com US
A FIFA program has highlighted the influence that social media can have on a major tournament - and shown how TikTok can be leveraged.
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John Morrissey @usltactics.com · 12/07/2026
Simply no other league in the world where Gedion Zelalem and Dani Rojas are facing off
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Tom Hindle @tom-hindle.bsky.social · 11/07/2026
9 months ago, Eloy Room was a free agent. Now, he's a World Cup legend and USL Championship hero. He used to be able to walk around Miami in anonymity. That's not the case anymore. Talked to Curacao's record-breaking goalie: www.goal.com/en/lists/elo...
goal.com
‘I was unknown’ - How 37-year-old Miami FC goalkeeper Eloy Room went from free agent to Curacao’s record-tying World Cup hero | Goal.com
The goalkeeper was facing retirement as recently as December last year, but he has become a USL Championship hero after breaking the World Cup save record.
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Tom Hindle @tom-hindle.bsky.social · 11/07/2026
Tuchel and Kane, MD-1…
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Tom Hindle @tom-hindle.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
Two weeks ago, Eloy Room made 15 saves to earn Curacao a 0-0 draw against Ecuador in the World Cup in front of 70,000 people. Last night, he made 3 as Miami FC drew 1-1 with Birmingham Legion in front of 606 people.
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Tom Hindle @tom-hindle.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
Cristo Fernandez got one question everywhere he went, after starring as Dani Rojas in Ted Lasso: “Do you actually play soccer?” The answer used to be a super awkward “no.” Now it’s a resounding “yes.” Here’s how: www.goal.com/en-us/lists/...
goal.com
'Do you actually play soccer?' - How Cristo Fernandez embraced Dani Rojas, Ted Lasso to chase professional dreams in USL | Goal.com US
Cristo Fernandez used to just be 'Dani Rojas' of Ted Lasso, but he has used lower league soccer in America to revive his childhood passion
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Tom Hindle @tom-hindle.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
For Cape Verde, the difficult has become plausible. The improbable has become possible. Now, ahead of a World Cup knockouts, the wildest dreams have become reality. Talked to the fans about what it all means... www.goal.com/en-us/lists/...
goal.com
'We've already won' - As Cape Verde faces the impossible, World Cup minnows revel in their moment in the spotlight | Goal.com US
The second-smallest nation to ever qualify for the World Cup overcame the one percent chance of making it out of the group stage and their fans are starting to dream.
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Tom Hindle @tom-hindle.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
Cristo Fernandez got one question everywhere he went, after starring as Dani Rojas in Ted Lasso: “Do you actually play soccer?” The answer used to be a super awkward “no.” Now it’s a resounding “yes.” Here’s how: www.goal.com/en-us/lists/...
goal.com
'Do you actually play soccer?' - How Cristo Fernandez embraced Dani Rojas, Ted Lasso to chase professional dreams in USL | Goal.com US
Cristo Fernandez used to just be 'Dani Rojas' of Ted Lasso, but he has used lower league soccer in America to revive his childhood passion
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Tom Hindle @tom-hindle.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Two guys are getting paid $50,000 apiece to watch *every* World Cup match in a see-through cube in Times Square this summer. Sounds like a sweet deal, right? Turns out there's good and bad... Talked to them about the job everyone kinda wants. www.goal.com/en-us/lists/...
goal.com
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Tom Hindle @tom-hindle.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
In 1971, Pele's Santos played a friendly in Haiti. Fans cried in the stands. In 2026, Brazil and Haiti will meet in the World Cup. This time, Haitians are out to show they belong. Talked to former players and avid fans in Philly: www.goal.com/en-us/lists/...
goal.com
'It's about showing what we can do' - Brazil have long inspired Haiti through turmoil, now Les Grenadiers want to prove they belong on the same stage | Goal.com US
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Tom Hindle @tom-hindle.bsky.social · 20/06/2026
Vini Jr: actually good for Brazil now? Report from Philadelphia last night: www.goal.com/en-us/lists/...
goal.com
Brazil player ratings vs Haiti: Vinicius Jr takes charge as Matheus Cunha double helps Selecao rediscover swagger in record-setting win | Goal.com US
Matheus Cunha proved his credentials up front and Vinicius Jr had a hand in all three goals as Brazil found their stride at the World Cup with a 3-0 win over Haiti
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Tom Hindle @tom-hindle.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
In 1971, Pele's Santos played a friendly in Haiti. Fans cried in the stands. In 2026, Brazil and Haiti will meet in the World Cup. This time, Haitians are out to show they belong. Talked to former players and avid fans in Philly: www.goal.com/en-us/lists/...
goal.com
'It's about showing what we can do' - Brazil have long inspired Haiti through turmoil, now Les Grenadiers want to prove they belong on the same stage | Goal.com US
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Tom Hindle @tom-hindle.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
Was in Dallas for England-Croatia, and wrote about how the Brits embraced the most American of American places. (Yes, Champagne Supernova was played out of a Dodge Ram in a car park). www.goal.com/en-us/lists/...
goal.com
From taking over rodeos to singing Oasis in cowboy hats - How England’s traveling fans embraced Texas and American culture | Goal.com US
England fans came to Texas for the Three Lions' World Cup opener. They found rodeos, pickup trucks, cowboy hats, Oasis sing-alongs, and a tournament experience unlike any they’ve had before.
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Tom Hindle @tom-hindle.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
One for the MLS streets: For the first time in FIFA World Cup history, a player from MLS has scored on consecutive days in Lionel Messi (yesterday) and Petar Musa (today).
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Tom Hindle @tom-hindle.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
Told you... ... right?
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Tom Hindle @tom-hindle.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
In Dallas for England-Croatia. Good to see local lad Petar Musa get the start on home soil.
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Tom Hindle @tom-hindle.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
I genuinely can't tell if they hate Lalas or if this is just a really compelling bit
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Tom Hindle @tom-hindle.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
The journey to NY/NJ Stadium from Penn Station ran smoothly on Saturday. The people were nice. The trains were on time. The issue? This was a commute to work, not an epic venture to a World Cup match. On a sterile trip for a tepid contest… www.goal.com/en-us/lists/...
goal.com
No samba in the swamp - How New York/New Jersey Stadium’s tight setup muted Brazil in odd World Cup opener | Goal.com US
The opening fixture between Brazil and Morocco delivered on safety, but there are questions to be raised about the matchday experience at such a major venue
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Tom Hindle @tom-hindle.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
Yan Diomande is COOKING against Ecuador. He's also, technically - but not really - an American soccer product. Talked to him about a weird but immensely productive American stint - including a memorable UPSL championship. www.goal.com/en-us/lists/...
goal.com
‘I learned a lot’ - How America shaped RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande, from UPSL to the UEFA Champions League | Goal.com US
The Ivory Coast international has been tipped for European stardom, but he was developed in North America
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Charles Boehm ⚽️ @cboehm.bsky.social · 14/06/2026
If you're just catching up to Curacao's amazing (and ongoing) story, might I recommend this feature from @tom-hindle.bsky.social (Also shout out to Tom's goal.com bosses for sending him to freaking Curacao to best tell the tale. Just no substitute for being there.) www.goal.com/en-om/lists/...
goal.com
'We are going to celebrate' - After qualifying for the World Cup, Curacao has unified among a troubled past | Goal.com English Oman
Curacao became the smallest nation to ever qualify for the World Cup, and their historic achievement has offered a moment of unity for an island long shaped by racial tension.
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Tom Hindle @tom-hindle.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
MLS has promised that there will be a "World Cup bump." The game in the U.S., we are told, will be bigger and better attended. But how is that going to happen, and what does success look like? Talked to MLS clubs to find out. www.goal.com/en-us/lists/...
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Tom Hindle @tom-hindle.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
MLS has promised that there will be a "World Cup bump." The game in the U.S., we are told, will be bigger and better attended. But how is that going to happen, and what does success look like? Talked to MLS clubs to find out. www.goal.com/en-us/lists/...
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Tom Hindle @tom-hindle.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
Adam El Manawy shipped a nearly 50-year-old car from Brussels to Baltimore, and is going to drive across the country, following Belgium at the World Cup. He does not have a return flight, and he hasn’t booked any accommodation. In a word: why? www.goal.com/en-us/lists/...
goal.com
'It's all about connection' - Why Belgium superfan Adam El Manawy is driving across America for the World Cup | Goal.com US
El Manawy will head to his fourth World Cup this summer, and after taking on an ambitious journey in 2022, his goals for next month are loftier.
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Tom Hindle @tom-hindle.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
News on American coaches in Europe: Bryant Lazaro, a Florida native, has been hired as an assistant by Saint-Etienne. Was previously at Portuguese side Estoril. Also had stints in the youth system at Levante and Sevilla.
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Nicholas Murray @njemurray.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
The pride of London, OG Anunoby.
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Tom Hindle @tom-hindle.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
Adam El Manawy shipped a nearly 50-year-old car from Brussels to Baltimore, and is going to drive across the country, following Belgium at the World Cup. He does not have a return flight, and he hasn’t booked any accommodation. In a word: why? www.goal.com/en-us/lists/...
goal.com
'It's all about connection' - Why Belgium superfan Adam El Manawy is driving across America for the World Cup | Goal.com US
El Manawy will head to his fourth World Cup this summer, and after taking on an ambitious journey in 2022, his goals for next month are loftier.
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Tom Hindle @tom-hindle.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
Kaka on peaking early, the Ballon d'Or, Vinicius Jr, and why Neymar HAS to play a role for Brazil at the World Cup (he also talked about the college soccer calendar switch.) www.goal.com/en-us/lists/...
goal.com
‘Something you cannot train’ - Brazil legend Kaka on World Cup pressure, Real Madrid lessons, Vini Jr.'s burden and Neymar's final shot at glory | Goal.com US
In an exclusive interview with GOAL, Brazil legend Kaka reflects on winning the World Cup at 20, the pressure now facing Vini Jr. and Neymar, and why the Selecao’s sixth-star dream still feels alive.
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Tom Hindle @tom-hindle.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
Kaka on peaking early, the Ballon d'Or, Vinicius Jr, and why Neymar HAS to play a role for Brazil at the World Cup (he also talked about the college soccer calendar switch.) www.goal.com/en-us/lists/...
goal.com
‘Something you cannot train’ - Brazil legend Kaka on World Cup pressure, Real Madrid lessons, Vini Jr.'s burden and Neymar's final shot at glory | Goal.com US
In an exclusive interview with GOAL, Brazil legend Kaka reflects on winning the World Cup at 20, the pressure now facing Vini Jr. and Neymar, and why the Selecao’s sixth-star dream still feels alive.
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Tom Hindle @tom-hindle.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
Charlie has summed this up wonderfully here. It's almost like the Conference League is a good opportunity for "smaller" clubs to play in Europe, and winning this kind of trophy has immense value and creates good memories for football fans!
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Tom Hindle @tom-hindle.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
Is a scorching rooftop event a good way to unveil a roster that everyone already knew? Perhaps not. BUT for a brief moment, this fundamentally flawed thing made the World Cup feel real. Perhaps that's the point. (Sweaty) words from NYC: www.goal.com/en-us/lists/...
goal.com
‘That’s America’ - How USMNT’s NYC rooftop roster reveal made the World Cup finally feel real | Goal.com US
The USMNT officially unveiled a roster that had already leaked on Tuesday afternoon, and a touch of World Cup fever might just be here
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