The road to 2026 is finally mapped out, and on today’s Morning Espresso we break down what the World Cup draw really means for the USMNT, Mexico, and the heavyweights from South America — plus the schedule quirks, heat risks, and those new mandatory hydration breaks that will turn every match into four “quarters.” We’ll dive into Mo Salah’s explosive mixed-zone interview, what it says about his fractured relationship with Arne Slot and Liverpool, and how his future looks with AFCON, Saudi, and MLS interest hovering in the background. Then it’s all eyes on Miami: Messi’s masterclass in MLS Cup, how his new supporting cast flipped the script from last year, and what comes next as Busquets and Alba bow out, replacements line up, and sponsorship money across MLS keeps climbing. We’ll wrap with a quick Refill of headlines from Liga MX, Brazil, Europe’s title races, and the college game to get you ready for another massive week in the world’s game.
