Champions League / Big Five
European analysis
Tactics, team-building and the ideas moving through Europe’s biggest competitions.
From the archive
Latest analysis
Existing World Cup and Champions League work remains here while the new European desk takes shape.
Analysis
Why the USMNT Will Never Be Argentina (But Could Maybe Be France): Part 2
Part 2 of The American Soccer Question: the French development machine, America’s missing professional rung, the lesson of the USWNT...
Analysis
World Cup Final Recap: The Machine Wins
Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in extra time to win its second World Cup, completing a historically dominant defensive run.
Analysis
Spain vs. Argentina World Cup Final Preview: Machine vs. Magic
The reigning champions of Europe and South America meet in a first-of-its-kind final. Spain has the machine. Argentina has the...
Analysis
Argentina vs. England World Cup Semifinal Preview: The Rivalry Returns
Argentina and England meet at a World Cup for the first time in 24 years. Messi, Bellingham and one of...
Analysis
Spain vs. France World Cup Semifinal Preview: A Final One Round Early
Spain has owned this matchup in recent semifinals. France has become the defining World Cup team of its era. Something...
Analysis
Why the USMNT Will Never Be Argentina (But Could Maybe Be France)
The USMNT's World Cup ended, but the argument it exposed is much larger: why Argentina's soccer culture cannot be copied,...
Analysis
Round of 16 Recap: Eight Reasons to Keep Watching the World Cup
The Round of 16 ended the host-nation dream and knocked out Brazil and Portugal. Here's how it played out —...
Analysis
Round of 32 Recap: The Favorites Survive, But Not Without Chaos
A full recap of the first-ever World Cup Round of 32 — Paraguay stunning Germany, Cape Verde pushing Argentina to...Analysis
World Cup Group Stage Recap
48 teams, 12 groups, 72 games, and a million third-place scenarios later — here's a full reset before the knockout...
Analysis
World Cup First-Round Roundup
With the first-round group stage games completed, the first lap of the 2026 World Cup has delivered just about everything...
Analysis
European Soccer Season Review
Contents Champions League Final European Team of the Season Player of the Year: Harry Kane Premier League La Liga Bundesliga...
Analysis