The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup burns hotter than ever. 🔥 From Mohammed Kudus leading Ghana back to the world stage, to France fighting through injury and Icelandic chill, to the Faroe Islands daring to dream — every corner of the globe has something at stake. We check in on the latest qualifiers across Africa, Europe, and Asia, from Ghana’s fifth World Cup berth to Saudi Arabia’s decisive clash with Iraq. Plus: the USA U-20s bow out, Chris Richards’ form for Crystal Palace, Steven Gerrard’s decision on Rangers, and Kansas City Current rewriting NWSL history. The world’s game never stops — and neither do we. 🎙️ Morning Espresso — powered by Oglethorpe University, Atlanta’s premier undergraduate learning experience and soccer powerhouse.

The race to the 2026 World Cup heats up around the world — and we’ve got it all covered on today’s Morning Espresso, brought to you by Oglethorpe University, Atlanta’s premier undergraduate learning experience and soccer powerhouse. In Europe, Scotland boss Steve Clarke reaches a milestone while trying to guide his nation back to the World Cup for the first time since 1998 — and he’s doing it with Katy Perry in the same Glasgow hotel. France defender William Saliba says Les Bleus fear no one as the countdown to 2026 continues. Across Africa, Cape Verde edges closer to a historic first qualification, Ghana all but seals its spot, and Egypt celebrates behind a Mohamed Salah brace. Asia’s contenders tighten up, with Patrick Kluivert’s Indonesia fighting for survival and Saudi Arabia closing in on another World Cup berth. Plus: Manchester United’s Women’s Champions League debut, ownership changes in Spain and the NWSL, and tributes to Boca Juniors legend Miguel Ángel Russo. ☕ The world’s game never sleeps — and neither do we. 🎧 Morning Espresso on the SDH Network — Around the Corner from Everywhere.

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Brewhouse Cafe, Atlanta’s iconic soccer bar, opens a new South Downtown location near Mercedes-Benz Stadium ahead of World Cup 2026.

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The races for the MLS Supporters’ Shield and Golden Boot are heating up with Lionel Messi and Denis Bouanga locked in a scoring duel and playoff positions on the line. Kansas City makes NWSL history with its first Shield, while Arsenal and Manchester City share the spoils in a clash with plenty of tactical intrigue. Across Europe, Real Madrid and Barcelona make headlines, Crystal Palace extend their remarkable unbeaten run, and Bayern’s Harry Kane hits yet another hat trick. Plus, Ballon d’Or night arrives in Paris with some big names in contention.

Powered by NoFo Brewing This episode of "The Roots" takes us to EFL League Two and a visit to Walsall FC CEO Ben Sadler introduces us to the club, the fan base, the environment, and the season-to-date's hot start- plus lets us know about the integration with owners from the southeast United States and what that exchange of ideas is leading to for the club...

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The countdown to the weekend’s biggest matches is on in this edition of Morning Espresso. We start with the massive demand for 2026 World Cup tickets, as FIFA’s first phase draws more than 1.5 million fans in just 24 hours. Then it’s all eyes on England and Mexico: Pep Guardiola adapts his Manchester City plans ahead of the Manchester Derby, while América and Chivas prepare to square off in another fiery Clásico Nacional. Add in injury updates across the Premier League, John Textor’s admission of mistakes at Botafogo, and the final moves of Liga MX’s transfer window — and you’ve got a global football weekend packed with storylines.

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The Venezuelan National Team is fighting hard to earn a playoff spot to contend in the final round of World Cup Qualifying matches in March of 2026. After a tough loss to the reigning champions of Arg...