MLS Team of the Week — Stars of Week 16
USMNT projected starting lineup vs Saudi Arabia
The USMNT face Saudi Arabia in Murcia, Spain in their final warm-up game before the 2022 World Cup kicks off in November and there are plenty of question marks around their best starting lineup.
Especially at center back and up front.
[ MORE: Player ratings | What we learned | Reaction ]
Following the shocking defeat to Japan (where a 2-0 scoreline in Japan’s favor heavily flattered the USMNT), Gregg Berhalter has plenty to think about as he juggles his roster around ahead of this final audition.
Yes, this final camp before the World Cup has seen the USMNT without six key players (Weah, Steffen, A. Robinson, Carter-Vickers, Richards and Musah) but the most concerning thing is that nobody took the opportunity given to them against Japan. Will anybody step up against Saudi Arabia and cement their spot in the roster, or even the starting lineup?
Below is our projected lineup, plus analysis on what Berhalter should do for the final 90 minutes he has with the team before they kick off their World Cup campaign against Wales on Nov. 21 in Qatar.
USMNT projected starting lineup vs Saudi Arabia (4-3-3)
—– Horvath —–
— Scally — Zimmerman — Palmer-Brown — Dest —
—- Adams —- McKennie —-
—- Reyna —-
— Aaronson — Pepi — Pulisic —
What should Berhalter do?
It’s clear that Gregg Berhalter will make plenty of changes as eight players (six outfield, two goalkeepers) didn’t have any minutes against Japan last time out. That said, he needs key players on this team to find some rhythm playing together less than two months before the World Cup kicks off. This starting lineup should be a mixture between giving players a final chance to impress and letting star players alongside each other as they look to build momentum ahead of the World Cup.
Goalkeepers
Matt Turner proved he’s the undisputed No. 1 as he excelled against Japan (perhaps the only player to leave that game with any credit) and although Zack Steffen is better with the ball at his feet, Turner appears to have the upper-hand. That leaves Ethan Horvath and Sean Johnson to battle it out for the final goalkeeping spot on the roster. Expect them both to get a chance in this game.
Defenders
In defense, Erik Palmer-Brown and Mark McKenzie should both get plenty of minutes to make their final claim for a spot on the roster but it may be a surprise to see them line up together. Perhaps they will have 45 minutes each alongside Zimmerman (a guaranteed starter at CB) to see who fares better as a duo?
At full back Joe Scally should get a run out at right back, while Sergino Dest will likely show off his versatility and play left back. The likes of Dest, and others, need the game time given they’re on the fringes of their starting lineup for their club teams. We now what DeAndre Yedlin can do and he is a leader on this team who is going to Qatar no matter what.
Midfielders
In midfield, I’d start Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie together again. They looked awful against Japan which was very surprising. This duo have to get some kind of partnership going and 60 minutes together here could see things click back into place for them. We know what Luca de la Torre and Kellyn Acosta offer, while Johnny Cardoso and Malik Tillman could both get another, longer, chance to push for a spot on the roster.
Forwards
Gio Reyna playing in a central role as a No. 10 should be something Berhalter prioritizes, while Christian Pulisic is fit and will start (according to Berhalter) so he should start on the left and Brenden Aaronson should start on the right. Getting Aaronson, Reyna and Pulisic used to playing together and interchanging is something that has to be done.
Up top, Berhalter has confirmed that Ricardo Pepi will get his chance to start and his physicality and speed should combine very well with the trio underneath him. Expect Josh Sargent to get a good chunk of minutes too, while Jesus Ferreira is the other option up top but maybe we could see Pulisic or Reyna playing up there as a false nine at some point of the game?
Ranking the 2022 World Cup kits
With the 2022 World Cup fast approaching, plenty of World Cup kits are starting to be released and there are some intriguing looks.
[ MORE: How to watch Premier League in USA ]
From Mexico’s snazzy away number to Germany going for a solid new look for their home kit and Puma rolling out a very specific and similar look for their national teams, just like they did for their club teams on their away kits, there is a lot to unpack here.
When November rolls around and the World Cup kicks off, which one of these jerseys will you be wearing with pride? And which one will you be wearing because it looks really cool?
Below is our rankings of the World Cup kits which have been released.
Ranking the 2022 World Cup kits
1. Mexico
This is a lovely away kit and will become a classic. Expect these beauties to fly off the shelves and be a jersey that neutrals love just as much as El Tri fans. The home kit is very decent too.
From our roots to our present. ❤️⚽️
Meet our new away jersey for the World Cup, Incondicionales. 🇲🇽😍#ElOrigenQueNosUne pic.twitter.com/5fib7L44UK
— Mexican National Team (@miseleccionmxEN) August 29, 2022
2. Portugal
Absolutely sensational work. The home kit is unique enough but still sticks to Portugal’s bold colors, while the away kit is a classic too.
🇵🇹 #VesteABandeira. Inspirado nas cores da Nação Valente, o equipamento oficial da nossa Seleção já está disponível 👕 @nikefootball
🇵🇹 #WearTheFlag. Inspired by the colors of the Brave Nation, our official kits are now available 👕 #NikeFC pic.twitter.com/yhYsqpejjd
— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) September 15, 2022
3. Poland
Oh, wow. This is absolutely beautiful. The away shirt is majestic and the home shirt is classic but with some intriguing detail on the sleeves. Nicely done.
Nowa koszulka reprezentacji Polski jest już dostępna w naszym Sklepie Kibica! 🇵🇱 #KoszulkaMarzenie #KierunekKatar
— Łączy nas piłka (@LaczyNasPilka) September 15, 2022
4. Japan
Well, this is another classic. Japan’s home kit is inspired by anime and the design is bold and recognizable. The away kit is fantastic too, especially the long-sleeved version.
日本を、歓喜で染めろ。#サッカー日本代表 2022 ユニフォームのコンセプトは #ORIGAMI。
日本の想いをひとつに。歓喜に満ちた新しい景色を、共に創ろう。アディダス公式オンラインショップにて先行販売開始。
👉https://t.co/bRzdXVKEJA#アディダス #daihyo#日本を歓喜で染めろ pic.twitter.com/oyD82vbSqA— アディダス ジャパン (@adidasJP) August 29, 2022
5. France
The home and away kits are both lovely and the colors just work together. Well done.
Montrer au monde ce que la France a de plus beau 🇫🇷 @nikefootball
🛒 https://t.co/S3nKmkYlCJ pic.twitter.com/pWEKlLHgJP
— Equipe de France ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) September 15, 2022
6. Argentina
The home kit is classic. You can’t really mess up the blue and white stripes. Again, another lovely away kit. The purple is perfect and this just looks slick and silky. Much like Lionel Messi’s footwork.
Te presentamos nuestra nueva camiseta alternativa para el Mundial de #Qatar 💜
De la mano de nuestro capitán, Leo #Messi 😍
¡Vamos Argentina! 🇦🇷#adidasfootball #WorldCup @adidasAR pic.twitter.com/t0h2ZLpbIC
— Selección Argentina 🇦🇷 (@Argentina) August 29, 2022
7. Wales
These are beautiful. The right color red on the home shirt and just enough going on without overdoing it. The away shirt is also bold and the collar is lovely. Well done.
“The Dragon on my shirt is all I need.”
🏴❤️🔥 The new @adidasfootball Cymru World Cup kit is available now in store and online at @JDOfficial!
Gorau Chwarae Cyd Chwarae#TogetherStronger pic.twitter.com/REAkdLpjeM
— Wales 🏴 (@Cymru) September 15, 2022
8. Brazil
Home kit looks like a classic and the away shirt is pretty decent too, but some people may not like the funky print on the shoulders.
9. England
The blue panels on the home kit are a bit meh but the away kit is a retro beauty.
Never done working as one.@nikefootball | #ThreeLions pic.twitter.com/TjPa4iB9vm
— England (@England) September 21, 2022
10. Croatia
They kind of ruined a classic with the home kit. It’s still cool but only having the checkered design on part of the home shirt is weird. The away kit is majestic.
The classic red checks on the Home jersey are remixed with a modern twist to reflect the energy and pride of our country.#Croatia | @nikefootball | #Vatreni❤️🔥 pic.twitter.com/LV1TnEqNjL
— HNS (@HNS_CFF) September 15, 2022
The new Away Jersey is inspired by Croatia’s nightlife and natural beauty, with vibrant Laser Blue checks reflecting the vibrancy of our country’s fast-moving festival culture and the azure waters of our coastline.#Croatia | @nikefootball | #Vatreni❤️🔥 pic.twitter.com/RAjYGDzJE8
— HNS (@HNS_CFF) September 15, 2022
11. Saudi Arabia
Pretty nice designs here. They could have gone with the plain white for the home and plain green for the away, but the snazzy designs work. Especially for the away kit.
12. Netherlands
The home shirt looks kind of velvety? Not the usual bright orange, which will upset some. The blue away kit is sleek and the real winner here.
Oranje Pride is Never Done.
Introducing our new 2022 Home & Away Collection! 🧡🇳🇱@nikefootball pic.twitter.com/fjDiP5qgTB— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) September 15, 2022
13. Senegal
This is the best of the Puma jerseys, as Senegal’s away kit is very distinctive and the green is lovely. This big panel on the middle of the kit is something we will get used to seeing a lot of during the World Cup.
Lions of Teranga 🇸🇳
The 2022 @Fsfofficielle Away kit, out now. pic.twitter.com/FGLYxt44j1
— PUMA Football (@pumafootball) August 29, 2022
14. Ghana
Again, another Puma away kit but this Ghana shirt has plenty of personality.
Bold meets proud 🇬🇭
The 2022 @ghanafaofficial Away kit, out now. pic.twitter.com/wkVNd508Ok
— PUMA Football (@pumafootball) August 29, 2022
15. Germany
This is fine. Expect a bit better from Die Mannschaft and it feels like they should have an all white jersey for their home kit.
Created in the studio – mastered on the pitch 💪
Können nicht erwarten, unsere neuen Trikots im Stadion zu sehen 😍Ab sofort erhältlich auf:
➡️ https://t.co/I3vY7E3flJ #adidasFootball @adidas pic.twitter.com/p1nGoIldZ9— DFB-Team (@DFB_Team) August 29, 2022
16. Qatar
The hosts have a simple, clean look. The away shirt has a nice golden pattern on it. Not bad.
The colours that have been witness to the landmark moments throughout our history 🎨🇶🇦
#AlAnnabi pic.twitter.com/7O95b6zLNE
— Qatar Football Association (@QFA_EN) September 15, 2022
17. USA
The home shirt has not been received well by fans, and some players, for being too boring. But the away shirt is pretty nice.
The USMNT drop their home and away kits for the 2022 World Cup 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/NuLWtxAyzs
— B/R Football (@brfootball) September 15, 2022
18. Morocco
A bit plain, but like the collar and sleeve trims and the circular pattern around the middle is very cool.
It’s in the details 🇲🇦
The 2022 @EnMaroc Away kit, out now. pic.twitter.com/FozZhwFTCQ
— PUMA Football (@pumafootball) August 29, 2022
19. Spain
Eh, this could have been so much better. Spain’s home kit looks bland and the away kit is just too much with that pattern.
😍 ¡𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙩𝙖 𝙡𝙖 𝙛𝙧𝙖𝙨𝙚!
✍🏻 Nuestras nuevas equipaciones para #Qatar2022 son ____.#VamosEspaña pic.twitter.com/siLXV6hiRw
— Selección Española de Fútbol (@SEFutbol) August 29, 2022
20. Australia
Not quite sure what to make of this. The same velvety style as the Netherlands home shirt on Australia’s home shirt. Just doesn’t work. The away kit is also just very bland.
21. Belgium
These home kits are just a little too plain and the flame pattern on the shoulder isn’t great and looks like a shirt I’d wear to my midweek bowling league. A missed opportunity. The same applies for the away kit. Belgium’s golden generation won’t look golden this World Cup.
Meet our new @adidasfootball #WorldCup shirts! 👕😍 #DEVILTIME #FLAMETIME pic.twitter.com/OOvBLNJAGt
— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) September 19, 2022
Meet our new #WorldCup away kits! 😍 #DEVILTIME pic.twitter.com/xgNCYWQpFS
— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) September 23, 2022
22. Uruguay
Again, another Puma away kit which looks very similar. Uruguay’s iconic sky blue could have been used a lot better on this away shirt.
La Celeste in a fresh take 🇺🇾
The 2022 @AUFOficial Away kit, out now. pic.twitter.com/eAAeaydz2w
— PUMA Football (@pumafootball) August 29, 2022
23. Serbia
Lovely gold in the design and makes the white away kit pop a little.
The Eagles have landed 🇷🇸
The 2022 @FSSrbije Away kit, out now. pic.twitter.com/E8Dwn3Yemc
— PUMA Football (@pumafootball) August 29, 2022
24. Switzerland
Just very bland. Not a lot going on and the panel in the middle is just a bit of an eyesore.
Stand for Suisse 🇨🇭
The 2022 @nati_sfv_asf Away kit, out now. pic.twitter.com/KEM3u9xwz0
— PUMA Football (@pumafootball) August 29, 2022
World Cup 2022 rankings: Who are the favorites?
With less than two months to go until it all kicks off, it is time to update and release the latest 2022 World Cup rankings.
[ MORE: USMNT react to Japan defeat ]
There are a few clear favorites to win the trophy in Qatar but some of the giants have been handed tougher group stage draws than others which will obviously impact their chances of lifting the famous trophy.
Given that some of the favorites have also been struggling in recent Nations League games and friendlies with plenty of heavy defeats and strange results, there remains no real frontrunner to win the tournament. That is great news for neutrals.
[ MORE: Full schedule for World Cup ]
Keep an eye out on a few underdogs too, as there are some real opportunities which have opened up depending on what side of the bracket you’re on.
We will updates these rankings before and during the tournament in Qatar, which takes place from November 21 to December 18, 2022.
[ MORE: Betting odds for 2022 World Cup ]
Let us know what you think of the rankings below.
Schedule, start time, dates, how to watch live
When: November 20, 2022 to December 18, 2022
Group stage game kick off times: 5am, 8am, 11am, 2pm (all ET)
Location: Qatar
TV channel in English: Fox
TV channel in Spanish: Telemundo, Universo, Peacock
World Cup Rankings – September 26, 2022
32. Tunisia – Down 1
31. Qatar – Down 4
30. Australia – Up 2
29. Ghana – Even
28. Cameroon – Down 3
27. Saudi Arabia – Up 1
26. Costa Rica – Up 4
25. Wales – Down 5
24. Iran – Even
23. Ecuador – Down 5
22. Morocco – Even
21. Canada – Up 2
20. USA – Down 4
19. Japan – Up 7
18. Poland – Up 3
17. Mexico – Up 2
16. South Korea – Down 1
15. Uruguay – Down 5
14. Serbia – Up 3
13. Senegal – Down 1
12. Switzerland – Up 1
11. Croatia – Up 3
10. Denmark – Up 1
9. England – Down 3
8. Germany – Down 3
7. Spain – Even
6. Netherlands – Up 3
5. Portugal – Up 3
4. France – Even
3. Belgium – Down 1
2. Argentina – Up 1
1. Brazil – Even
UEFA Nations League: Schedule, how to watch, stream, TV, standings
UEFA Nations League champions France will not go back-to-back, and Portugal is behind Spain in its bid to return to the throne room, highlighting the odds that a new Nations League winner will be crowned at the end of third edition of the tournament.
England and Wales are also coming to terms with the concept of relegation to UEFA Nations League B after underwhelming campaigns. Hungary look set to reach the semifinal round, which is a huge surprise as they faced Germany, England and Italy in A3.
France lost to Denmark and just remained in League A as Austria were relegated, with Croatia pipping the Danes to a place in the semifinal round.
[ MORE: European Nations League hub — Scores, stats ]
Group A4 is the opposite sort of fight, Belgium and the Netherlands have both played very well but the Dutch triumphed down the stretch (thanks to a 1-0 win as Virgil van Dijk scored the lone goal in Amsterdam) to advance to the semifinal round.
UEFA Nations Leagues B, C, and D also have drama built into the final days as Ukraine and Scotland are jockeying for promotion in B1; Russia’s punishment has left B2 promotion open to Israel, Iceland, and Albania. B4 sees Erling Haaland, Martin Odegaard, and Norway fighting to join League A for the next cycle.
There’s also drama as Kazakhstan and Georgia currently lead their League C groups, with Latvia and Estonia in League D’s best spots.
UEFA Nations League live: How to watch, stream links
When: June 1, 2022 – March 26, 2024
How to watch: Fox Sports Live, Fubo TV
UEFA Nations League A, Group 1
Croatia– 4-1-1, 13 pts [ADVANCED]
Denmark — 4-0-2, 12 pts
France — 1-2-3, 5 pts
Austria — 1-1-4, 4 pts [RELEGATED]
Next fixtures
Thursday
France 2-0 Austria
Croatia 2-1 Denmark
Sunday
Denmark 2-0 France
Austria 1-3 Croatia
UEFA Nations League A, Group 2
Portugal — 3-1-1, 10 pts
Spain — 2-2-0, 8 pts
Switzerland — 2-0-3, 6 pts
Czech Republic — 1-1-3, 4 pts
Next fixtures
Saturday
Czech Republic 0-4 Portugal
Spain 1-2 Switzerland
Tuesday
Portugal vs Spain
Switzerland vs Czech Republic
UEFA Nations League A, Group 3
Hungary — 3-1-1, 10 pts
Italy — 2-2-1, 8 pts
Germany — 1-3-1, 6 pts
England — 0-2-3, 2 pts [RELEGATED]
Next fixtures
Friday
Italy 1-0 England
Germany 0-1 Hungary
Monday
England vs Germany
Hungary vs Italy
UEFA Nations League A, Group 4
Netherlands — 5-1-0, 16 pts [ADVANCED]
Belgium — 3-1-2, 10 pts
Poland — 2-1-3, 7 pts
Wales — 0-1-5, 1 pt [RELEGATED]
Next fixtures
Thursday
Poland 0-2 Netherlands
Belgium 2-1 Wales
Sunday
Netherlands 1-0 Belgium
Wales 0-1 Poland