Before the Cannon Fires

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This sport has a way of reminding you it is about people first. Lennart Karl cried on a training pitch in the United States on Friday, his World Cup over before it started. An entire German squad went silent in a hotel meeting room to say goodbye to an 18-year-old who had earned his spot and lost it in an instant. Then, an ocean away in Asunción, Julio Enciso left the field in tears with his own World Cup status suddenly in question. Five days from the biggest tournament on earth, and the most powerful moments of the week had nothing to do with goals.

All of that is inside today's edition, along with the USMNT's final exam before it counts, the science behind the grass beneath every World Cup pitch, and the fireworks that sent Paraguay off in style. We are also live today on 92.9 The Game from NoFo Brew Co in Gainesville from noon to 2:15, taking you right up to kickoff of USMNT vs. Germany. It is a full soccer Saturday. Let's get into it.

One week from today, the United States opens the 2026 FIFA World Cup at home against Paraguay in Los Angeles. Before that, there is one more exam. Mauricio Pochettino's USMNT faces Germany at Soldier Field in Chicago on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. ET, the final dress rehearsal before the most consequential chapter in American soccer history begins.

Pochettino has been deliberate about scheduling elite opposition throughout this preparation window. Tests against Portugal and Belgium gave the group something games against lesser opponents never could, and Germany is the next honest look. Joe Scally, who lines up against Bundesliga opponents every weekend with Borussia Mönchengladbach, put it plainly: "I think we'd all rather play a better team than a not so good team. Better competition is always more fun, better feeling on the field, just to compare ourselves to some of the best guys in the world."

Germany arrives having rolled to a 4-0 win over Finland last Sunday, barely breaking a sweat. Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala, and a Deniz Undav brace did the damage. Kai Havertz sat out that one after scoring in the Champions League final for Arsenal and is expected to be available Saturday.

On the U.S. side, the 3-4-2-1 system that worked well against Senegal is expected to remain in place, and Pochettino confirmed that every player on the field will be fully healthy and fit to compete. He is not taking risks in the final match before the World Cup. The one genuine concern is Chris Richards, who is still in recovery and not yet ready to play. The plan is to assess him after Saturday's match and make a decision on his World Cup availability in the days that follow.

Kickoff is at 2:30 p.m. ET on TBS, HBO Max, and 92.9 The Game.

The story that had everyone excited about Germany's attack took a heartbreaking turn on Friday. Lennart Karl, the 18-year-old Bayern München attacker whose fearlessness had made him one of the most anticipated players in the tournament, suffered a torn muscle in Germany's final training session before Saturday's match against the United States. He will miss the World Cup entirely.

The scene that unfolded was difficult to read about regardless of which team you are rooting for. Karl knew immediately that something was wrong. Antonio Rüdiger walked him off the pitch and to the dressing room. That evening, Julian Nagelsmann gathered the entire squad and staff to say goodbye. Karl tried to address the group but could barely get the words out. The room fell silent more than once. Nagelsmann told his young player to hold onto this: he is 18 years old, and there are many more World Cups ahead of him.

Karl broke Bayern München's record as the club's youngest-ever Champions League goal-scorer this season. He had scored nine goals for Bayern, earned three caps for the national team, and by Nagelsmann's own account had essentially secured a starting spot in Germany's World Cup lineup. He posted a message to Instagram after leaving for Munich: "I honestly don't know where to begin, but it hurts beyond words to have to miss the biggest tournament of all. I'll come back stronger, I promise."

RB Leipzig's Assan Ouédraogo, 20, has been called up as the replacement. Nagelsmann also confirmed that 40-year-old goalkeeper Manuel Neuer will not play against the United States due to a calf issue, meaning Neuer heads into the World Cup having not played for Germany in nearly two years.

Before a ball was kicked in Asunción on Friday night, Paraguay gave its people a send-off worth remembering. As the Albirroja walked out ahead of their final pre-tournament friendly against Nicaragua, Defensores del Chaco erupted in fireworks, smoke, and noise. Not the kind of send-off you arrange for a tune-up match. The kind you arrange for a team carrying an entire country's dreams onto a plane bound for Los Angeles.

That is why we watch. Not just for the goals and the tactics and the injury updates, but for the moments when a stadium full of people reminds you what this sport means to the places it lives. Paraguay is five days away from the biggest stage in the world. Their fans already gave them the best possible goodbye.

Before a single ball is kicked at the 2026 World Cup, years of science, sod farming, and cross-continental coordination have already shaped how the tournament will be played. The journey started back in 2018, when FIFA senior pitch manager Alan Ferguson sat down for a cup of tea in a café in London's East End and began mapping out what it would take to go from the smallest World Cup footprint in Qatar to the biggest one ever attempted. The answer turned out to involve universities in Tennessee and Michigan, sod farms across three countries, NFL groundskeeping crews, and Premier League turf experts all working under one directive: one team.

The core challenge is scale and consistency. Sixteen stadiums, three countries, wildly different climates, five indoor venues, and eight synthetic surfaces that all had to be converted to natural grass. Researchers at the University of Tennessee and Michigan State conducted more than 200 individual trials to understand not just how to grow grass, but how players cut and plant on it, and how surfaces respond under tournament stress. The goal is that a pitch at sea level in Miami plays the same as one indoors in Vancouver.

Two grass blends were developed to handle the geographic range. Bermuda grass covers the warmer climates, while a perennial rye and Kentucky bluegrass mix was installed in cooler climates and indoor venues. The sod was grown and harvested across ten turf farms in the three host countries. AT&T Stadium in Dallas, which will host nine matches, presented a specific challenge: its retractable roof blocks sunlight, so engineers hung pink grow lights from the ceiling to keep the grass alive. The sod itself was grown in Colorado and shipped to Arlington in refrigerated trucks.

The Club World Cup last summer served as a real-time stress test, and FIFA adapted on the fly. When West Coast heat dried out some surfaces and slowed the ball, the team introduced irrigation during cooling breaks and adjusted mid-game. European teams offered feedback on grass length, and mowing protocols were refined as a result. None of this will make the highlight reels. That, as University of Tennessee professor John Sorochan put it, is exactly the point: if the field is not talked about after the game except for how wonderful it looked, the team did its job.

Five days. That is all that stands between right now and the opening whistle of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The tournament field is taking its final shape, rosters are being tested and in some cases reshuffled by injury, and the pre-tournament buzz has reached the point where it is hard to talk about anything else. Welcome to the last weekend before it all counts.

On The Field

The USMNT's World Cup opponent is already dealing with its own injury scare. Paraguay beat Nicaragua 4-0 on Friday in Asunción in their final tune-up before facing the United States in Los Angeles in six days, but the result was overshadowed by Julio Enciso leaving the field in tears. Coach Gustavo Alfaro initially suggested the issue was trauma-related, but Saturday's update confirmed a muscle fiber tear in Enciso's right thigh. The extent of the damage in millimeters is still being determined. Enciso is the Albirroja's most dynamic attacking option, and his status will be one of the most-watched storylines of the coming week. Miguel Almirón did score in the win, giving Atlanta fans a reason to smile even in a low-stakes result.

Argentina, meanwhile, is managing its own injury list ahead of their June 16 opener against Algeria in Kansas City. Lionel Messi is recovering from muscle fatigue in his left hamstring, but coach Lionel Scaloni offered reassurance Friday, saying Messi trained partially with the group and could see minutes in one of Argentina's two remaining friendlies. Less certain is the status of Leonardo Balerdi, with reports out of Argentina suggesting the Marseille defender suffered a serious leg injury in training ahead of Saturday's friendly against Honduras, potentially costing him his first World Cup appearance. Scaloni has made clear that no player will be carried into the tournament if he is not ready.

Paraguay 4, Nicaragua 0: Goals from Alejandro Romero Gamarra (penalty), Miguel Almirón, Matías Galarza, and Alexandro Maidana sealed the result before 35,000 fans at Defensores del Chaco. The margin was comfortable, the opponent limited, and Enciso's injury was the only story that mattered by the final whistle.

Canada 1, Ireland 1: Canada drew their final pre-tournament friendly on Friday, with Chiedozie Ogbene converting a rebound to level after Canada had gone ahead on an own goal. Captain Alphonso Davies remains sidelined with a hamstring injury and has no confirmed return timeline. Canada opens the World Cup on June 12 against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto.

Saudi Arabia 3, Puerto Rico 0: The match in Austin was suspended for nearly two hours due to lightning before Saudi Arabia pulled away with goals from Sultan Mandash, Abdullah Al Hamdan, and captain Salem Al Dawsari. Saudi Arabia faces Senegal on Monday in their final warm-up before opening Group H play against Spain.

Haiti 1, Peru 2: Haiti, preparing for their World Cup opener against Scotland on June 14, gave up two late goals to Peru in Miami. Wilson Isidor gave Haiti the lead in the 16th minute before Peru responded twice from corner situations in the final nine minutes.

Jordan's Sabra out of World Cup: The Jordan Football Association confirmed that 20-year-old forward Ibrahim Sabra has been ruled out of the tournament after scans revealed torn ankle ligaments sustained in training. Jordan makes their World Cup debut in Group J against Austria and Algeria before facing Argentina in Dallas.

Off The Field

England arrived in Tampa for their pre-tournament camp and promptly got rained on. Manager Thomas Tuchel acknowledged the weather disrupted their heat acclimatization plans but said the squad would adapt. More concerning for some observers were photos of the pitch at their Saturday friendly venue against New Zealand, which Tuchel described as making him "a little bit worried." England plays Croatia in their Group L opener on June 17 in Dallas.

Iran's national team has received visas to enter the United States, clearing one of the most diplomatically fraught storylines of the pre-tournament period. Iran applied through the U.S. Embassy in Türkiye, where the squad has been based for training. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the approvals come with close monitoring of non-athletic personnel. Iran's training base, originally planned for Tucson, was relocated to Tijuana, Mexico at the federation's request. They open Group play on June 15 against New Zealand in Inglewood.

Algeria extends Petkovic: Coach Vladimir Petkovic is set to officially extend his contract through 2028, with the announcement expected Sunday. Petkovic has led the Fennecs since February 2024 and will lead them into Group J alongside Austria, Jordan, and defending champions Argentina.

Big weekend on the SDH Network. Jon Nelson and I are live on 92.9 The Game for a special Atlanta Soccer Tonight from noon until 2:15 from NoFo Brew Co in Gainesville, taking you right up to USMNT pregame and the match broadcast on 92.9 The Game and the Audacy app. Set the dial and don't touch it.

Tonight, I head to Athens for Atlanta United 2's match against Chicago Fire FC II in MLS NEXT Pro. You can catch that one right here on the SDH Network at soccerdownhere.net/listen. Then tomorrow, the SDH PM Live show comes to NoFo Brew Co in Cumming from 2 to 3:30 p.m. to celebrate the launch of the Soccer Down Here Lager, with contests and prizes on hand. And tomorrow night, I’m back on 92.9 The Game from 9 to 11 p.m. for another Atlanta Soccer Tonight. It is a full soccer weekend in every direction.

Real Madrid elections Sunday: For the first time in 20 years, Florentino Pérez faces a challenger at the ballot box. Enrique Riquelme, a 37-year-old renewable energy executive backed by club legends Raúl González and Iker Casillas, is running against the 79-year-old incumbent. Pérez has promised to announce the most expensive transfer in club history the week after the vote. Riquelme has claimed Erling Haaland wants to come to Madrid; both Haaland's agent and Manchester City have dismissed the idea.

Colombia women qualify for Brazil 2027: The Colombian women's national team secured their spot in the 2027 Women's World Cup with a 1-0 win over Uruguay in Cali on Thursday, with a goal from Gisela Robledo. The result comes with a concern: Linda Caicedo was stretchered off in the 75th minute with a calf issue after an exhausting club season at Real Madrid.

Spain 4, England 0 in women's World Cup qualifying: Spain handed England a heavy defeat in Mallorca on Friday in the penultimate round of European qualifying for Brazil 2027. Alexia Putellas scored twice and Aitana Bonmatí assisted the fourth goal. Both sides sit on 12 points in Group A3 heading into the final matchday, keeping England's automatic qualification hopes alive but precarious.

Germany women qualify for Brazil 2027: Germany's 2-0 win over Norway on Friday gave them an unassailable lead in Group A4, clinching automatic qualification for the 2027 Women's World Cup with one match remaining.

West Ham chairman resigns: Co-chairman David Sullivan stepped down from his role at West Ham United on Saturday, citing upcoming media reports he described as false. Sullivan, 77, said he is pursuing legal action against the BBC and other outlets. The club confirmed the allegations are unrelated to West Ham's operations. The club was relegated from the Premier League on the final day of the season and will play in the Championship next season.

Martin O'Neill to stay at Celtic: The 74-year-old has agreed to a one-year contract at Celtic, with an option for a second year, after leading the club to a Premiership and Scottish Cup double across two interim spells last season. Celtic have not yet officially confirmed the appointment.

Barco eyes Independiente return: Atlanta United fans will recognize the name. Esequiel Barco visited the youth facility in Villa Domínico that bears his name during a break in Argentina and told journalists on site that he wants to play for Independiente again. The club is pursuing a one-year loan from Spartak Moscow for $500,000.

Five days out, and the World Cup is already here in Georgia. This afternoon we are live at NoFo Brew Co in Gainesville with Jon Nelson from noon to 2:15 on 92.9 The Game, taking you right up to kickoff of USMNT vs. Germany. Tonight it is Athens and Atlanta United 2. Tomorrow it is Cumming and the launch of the Soccer Down Here Lager. The tournament has not officially started yet and the schedule is already full.

That is the thing about this sport. You do not have to be at Soldier Field today to feel what is happening. You can feel it in a taproom in Gainesville, on a sideline in Athens, at a brewery in Cumming. The game is everywhere right now, and so are we. Enjoy USMNT vs. Germany today, and we will see you out there this weekend.

Song of the Day: "My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark (Light Em Up)" by Fall Out Boy. Fireworks over Asunción, five days to kickoff, and a full weekend of live soccer ahead, turn it up.

Jason