RONALD BLUM Sports Writer, Author at The Rapid City Post

U.S. team coach Mauricio Pochettino arrives to attend the draw for the 2026 soccer World Cup at the Kennedy Center in Washington, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Tyler Adams sets bold goal of farthest US World Cup advancement

December 6, 2025

Tyler Adams has set a bold goal for the U.S. soccer team, aiming to reach the World Cup semifinals for the first time since 1930. The U.S. team, ranked 14th, will start Group D against Paraguay on June 12 in Inglewood, California. The Americans will then face Australia in Seattle six days later and conclude group play on June 25 against the winner of playoffs among Turkey, Slovakia, Romania and Kosovo. Defender Tim Ream emphasizes the team’s desire to win the World Cup. Coach Mauricio Pochettino highlights the importance of choosing the right players to build a strong team.

The red carpet is delivered prior to the final draw for the 2026 soccer World Cup at the Kennedy Center in Washington, Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

A supersized World Cup field begins taking shape at Friday’s draw

December 4, 2025

The World Cup draw takes place Friday, featuring four debuting teams: Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan and Uzbekistan. The tournament, expanded to 48 nations, will run from June 11 to July 19 across the U.S., Mexico and Canada. All top 11-ranked teams have qualified, with Italy among 22 nations in playoffs for the final spots. Led by Lionel Messi, Argentina aims for consecutive titles. Games will be held at 16 sites, with attendance expected to break records. FIFA announced ticket prices ranging from $60 to $6,730, sparking discussions about accessibility.

Manchester City's Erling Haaland during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and Leeds United in Manchester, England, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Ian Hodgson)

The World Cup draw is usually a spectacle. This time, FIFA hopes bigger is better

December 3, 2025

A record 64 nations will be in Friday’s World Cup draw as FIFA expands the tournament from 32 to 48 teams. This means 104 games instead of 64, running from June 11 to July 19 across the U.S., Mexico and Canada. The final will be at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, aims to win consecutive World Cups. Newcomers include Cape Verde and Curaçao. Ticket prices are at a record high, with concerns about affordability. Weather could impact games, with only four U.S. venues having roofs. The draw will be hosted by Heidi Klum, Kevin Hart and Danny Ramirez.

FILE - Tailgaters gather outside MetLife Stadium before an NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Nov. 6, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, File)

14 US stadiums proposed among 20 possible sites for 2031 Women’s World Cup

November 28, 2025

The United States Soccer Federation proposed 14 American sites among 20 possible venues to host games of the 2031 Women’s World Cup, including seven U.S. stadiums to be used for next year’s men’s tournament. FIFA has released the bid book for the 2031 and 2035 women’s tournaments. There is only one bidder for each, a U.S.-Mexico-Costa Rica-Jamaica proposal for 2031 and a United Kingdom plan for 2035. FIFA is to formally confirm the bids at its congress on April 30. Twenty-six additional U.S. stadiums were mentioned as suitable American venues for a 48-nation tournament the bidders project would draw 4.5 million fans.

United States' Gio Reyna controls the ball during the second half of an international friendly soccer match against Paraguay, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, in Chester, Pa. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)

Gio Reyna passes father for international goals, then gets teased for scoring his first header

November 15, 2025

Gio Reyna has surpassed his father, Claudio Reyna, in career international goals. Reyna scored Saturday night in his first international start in 16 months. He then assisted on Folarin Balogun’s tiebreaking goal, leading the United States to a 2-1 victory over Paraguay. Reyna was once a prodigy who faced challenges with injuries and controversy. He now aims to redefine himself. Coach Mauricio Pochettino recalled him for the November friendlies, and Reyna has seized the opportunity. He brings a new dimension to the U.S. attack and he hopes to play in next year’s World Cup.

FILE - United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino gives a press conference, Mexico, Oct. 14, 2024, ahead of an international friendly soccer match against Mexico, at Akron Stadium in Guadalajara,. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo, File)

Pochettino plans to bring only final 26 players to camp ahead of World Cup to `not to be cruel’

November 14, 2025

U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino plans to bring only the final 26-man roster to his last pre-World Cup training camp. He wants to avoid cutting players just before the tournament. On Friday, Pochettino explained that it’s more humane to finalize the team early. Past U.S. coaches have called in larger groups and then trimmed their roster. Pochettino has selected 71 players since taking over in October 2024. The U.S. Soccer Federation plans for players to report to Georgia for training on May 27. The Americans likely will have two friendlies before their World Cup opener on June 12.

From left to right, Mexican Football Federation president Mikel Arriola, Jamaica Football Federation president Michael Ricketts, Costa Rican Football Federation president Osael Maroto Martínez and U.S. Soccer president Cindy Parlow Cone pose with jerseys at a news conference in New York, Monday, Oct. 20, 2025, to announce the four nations had joined a proposal to co-host the 2031 Women's World Cup, the only bid being considered by FIFA. (AP Photo/Ron Blum)

US joined by Mexico, Costa Rica and Jamaica in plan to host 2031 Women’s World Cup, the only bid

October 20, 2025

The United States added Mexico, Costa Rica and Jamaica to its proposal to host the 2031 Women’s World Cup. It’s the only bid FIFA is considering for the tournament. The U.S., a four-time winner of the tournament, announced the additions Monday. The U.S, Soccer Federation and Mexican Football Federation withdrew their joint bid to host the 2027 tournament in April 2024 and said they intended to focus on staging the 2031 event. Two weeks later, FIFA selected Brazil for 2027. A United Kingdom plan by England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland was the sole submission for 2035.

Mallorca controlling owner Andy Kohlberg, right, and former U.S. soccer national team star Stuart Holden, left, a Mallorca co-owner, speak Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025, at Maxwell Social in New York to promote the club’s marketing efforts in the United States. (AP Photo/Ronald Blum)

Mallorca owner Andy Kohlberg says FIFA’s World Cup ticket prices risk damage to the sport’s image

October 14, 2025

Andy Kohlberg, the owner of Spanish soccer club Mallorca, warns that FIFA’s ticket pricing for the next World Cup could harm the sport’s image. Speaking on Tuesday, he noted that the message so far has been mainly negative. FIFA has not released a full ticket price grid, only stating that the most expensive seat is $6,730 and the cheapest is $60. Hospitality tickets reach up to $73,200. Kohlberg emphasizes the need to balance catering to mainstream fans with offering premium experiences. He also comments on La Liga’s controversial decision to move a match to the U.S., urging caution in such decisions.

United States' men's national team soccer player Sebastian Berhalter, left, and Jonathan Klinsmann pose Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, in Morristown, N.J. (AP Photo/Ronald Blum)

The sons have come out as Sebastian Berhalter, Jonathan Klinsmann vie for US World Cup roster

September 8, 2025

Sebastian Berhalter and Jonathan Klinsmann are making waves in U.S. soccer. Both are sons of former national team coaches and are vying for spots at next year’s World Cup. Berhalter debuted in June against Switzerland and has been a consistent starter since. Klinsmann, playing in Italy’s Serie B, is looking to make his debut at age 28. Jurgen Klinsmann coached the U.S. from 2011-14 and Gregg Berhalter had a pair of stints from 2018-24. Current coach Mauricio Pochettino is shaking up the roster after disappointing results this year.

AC Milan's Christian Pulisic is in action during a Serie A soccer match between AC Milan and Cremonese, at the San Siro stadium in Milan, Italy, Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

Pulisic back on US roster for September friendlies after skipping CONCACAF Gold Cup

August 26, 2025

Christian Pulisic is returning to the U.S. national team for friendlies against South Korea and Japan after taking time off. He missed June exhibitions and the CONCACAF Gold Cup, leading to a spat with coach Mauricio Pochettino. Pulisic wanted a break after playing about 100 club matches with AC Milan over the past two seasons. He was among 22 players picked for games on Sept. 6 and 9. Sergiño Dest could play his first national team game in 18 months after recovering from a torn ACL. Several players were left off the roster because of injuries.

Chelsea pleayers celebrate with the championship trophy after the Club World Cup final soccer match between Chelsea and PSG in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, July 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Chelsea’s Cole Palmer surprised to share Club World Cup podium spotlight with Donald Trump

July 14, 2025

Cole Palmer was surprised to find U.S. President Donald Trump on the stand as Chelsea received the Club World Cup trophy after a 3-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain. Palmer received the Golden Ball as top player of the tournament after scoring the first two goals of the final. Trump appeared to leave the award stand with a medal of his own, handed to him by FIFA President Gianni Infantino right after the one presented to Reece James. Palmer had his name up in the bright lights this weekend, posing for a photo in front of a huge video board of his image near Madison Square Garden.

Paris Saint-Germain's Fabian Ruiz celebrates with team mate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia after scoring his side's opening goal during the Club World Cup semifinal soccer match between PSG and Real Madrid in East Rutherford, N.J., Wednesday, July 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

After routing Real Madrid in Club World Cup, PSG eyes Chelsea and historic quadruple

July 9, 2025

Paris Saint-Germain routed Real Madrid 4-0 in a Club World Cup semifinal, moving closer to a historic quadruple. Having won Ligue 1, the Coupe de France and the Champions League, PSG plays Chelsea on Sunday in the Club World Cup final. PSG’s blue, red and white jerseys don’t have glamorous names pressed across the back, and they may not be as ubiquitous as the the red shirts of Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal, Manchester City’s light blue or Chelsea’s royal blue. But the team is filling up the trophy display at its cramped, outdated stadium, Parc des Princes.

Chelsea's Joao Pedro reacts after scoring his side's opening goal during the Club World Cup semifinal soccer match between Fluminense and Chelsea in East Rutherford, N.J., Tuesday, July 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

João Pedro doesn’t celebrate goals for Chelsea, saying former team `gave everything to me’

July 8, 2025

João Pedro scored twice in Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Fluminense, securing a spot in the Club World Cup final. The 23-year-old forward, who joined Chelsea last week, refused to celebrate out of respect for Fluminense, the club that developed him. He scored in the 18th and 56th minutes with precise right-footed strikes. Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca praised his ability to break down defensive teams. Chelsea plays Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain in Sunday’s final.

Borussia Dortmund's coach Niko Kovac waits for the beginning of the Club World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund in East Rutherford, N.J., Saturday, July 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

Dortmund coach Niko Kovač says MetLife Stadium field more suited to golf than to soccer

July 5, 2025

Borussia Dortmund coach Niko Kovač has criticized the MetLife Stadium field and extreme heat during the Club World Cup. Speaking after a 3-2 quarterfinal loss to Real Madrid, he compared the field to a golf green, saying it was unsuitable for high-level soccer. The match kicked off at 3 p.m. in East Rutherford, where the temperature was 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius). Kovač noted similar issues in Cincinnati, with on-field temperatures reaching 113 degrees during earlier games. He suggested later kickoff times to improve conditions. Next year’s World Cup in the U.S. may face similar challenges, with many venues lacking roofs or air-conditioning.

FILE - United States Soccer Federation president Carlos Cordeiro, left, and FIFA president Gianni Infantino present President Donald Trump with soccer jerseys during a meeting in the Oval Office of the White House, Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

One year from World Cup opener, FIFA leaves questions unanswered on tickets and security

June 10, 2025

A year from the largest World Cup ever, there has been no announcement on general ticket sales, prices for most seats, location of a draw and security arrangements as FIFA mostly avoids disclosing details of an event set for 16 stadiums across the United States, Mexico and Canada. There is uncertainty about whether fans from some nations will be welcome in the U.S., where 11 of the venues are located and all matches will be played from the quarterfinals on. At the last major soccer tournament in the U.S., the 2024 Copa America final at Miami Gardens, Florida, started 82 minutes late after spectators breached security gates.

From left, Atlanta president Dan Corso, North Texas organizing committee president Monica Paul, Houston president Chris Canetti, San Francisco Bay Area CEO Zaileen Janmohamed, Philadelphia executive Meg Kane, (New York/New Jersey CEO Alex Lasry, Miami CEO Alina Hudak, Seattle chief strategy officer April Putney, Kansas City CEO Pam Kramer, Boston CEO Mike Loynd, and Los Angeles vice president Jason Krutzsch meet at the Paley Center in New York a year ahead of the 2026 World Cup, on Monday, June 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Ronald Blum)

World Cup host city organizers acknowledge immigration crackdown may impact next year’s tournament

June 9, 2025

Philadelphia’s host city executive for the 2026 World Cup says organizers accept that an immigration crackdown by the U.S. federal government may be among the outside events that impact next year’s tournament. At a gathering of the 11 U.S. host city leaders on Monday, Meg Kane said, “We do not play a role necessarily in what is happening in terms of the decisions that are made.” The World Cup will be played at 16 stadiums in the U.S., Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19 next year, a tournament expanded to 48 nations and 104 games.

Orlando City defender Alex Freeman, left, clears the ball to stop a scoring attempt by Inter Miami defender Jordi Alba (18) during the first half of an MLS soccer match, Sunday, May 18, 2025, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Pulisic among the US starters to miss CONCACAF Gold Cup, last competitive matches before World Cup

May 22, 2025

Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, Antonee Robinson, Josh Sargent and Joe Scally will miss the CONCACAF Gold Cup, leaving the United States with a depleted roster for its last competitive soccer matches before the 2026 World Cup. Weston McKennie, Tim Weah and Gio Reyna already were expected to miss the regional championship of North and Central America and the Caribbean because FIFA ruled the expanded Club World Cup has priority on players over national teams. U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino announced his 27-man squad for friendlies ahead of the tournament, and missing players also included defender Cameron Carter-Vickers and midfielder Tanner Tessmann.

RONALD BLUM Sports Writer.