Henry Bushnell

Soccer fans are afraid. ICE and CBP say they're part of the Club World Cup security operation... but “how can we trust it's really for security?” one fan asked. “It just really feels like they're setting up a trap," he told me. So, he and others are staying home. sports.yahoo.com/soccer/artic...

So, after 8 years(!) at Yahoo Sports, some news… I’m joining the superteam at The Athletic (@theathletic.com). 🧵...

Annual reminder that, for all the talk of “hostile” environments, U.S.-Mexico games are mostly just a really cool, unique celebration of this sport

Inside the USWNT's worst performance yet under Emma Hayes... 🏝️ players "on islands," trying to solve problems as individuals ⚽ "misconnections" in training the two days prior 🦫 "a game of Whac-A-Mole" + more @theathleticfc.bsky.social:

In Philly for USWNT camp this week. Chatted with Alyssa Thompson about... - moving to Chelsea, and why - how the leap from LA to London will help her grow - "What are you gonna do without Gisele?” and more: www.nytimes.com/athletic/673...

News: a U.S. Soccer-led committee proposes a shake-up of college soccer. The recommended men's model would override current conferences, include an element of pro/rel, and extend the season fall-spring. Spoke with Cindy Parlow Cone, JT Batson + others, and dove in @theathletic.com:

Story + analysis w/ @paultenorio.bsky.social on the USMNT's 2-1 win over Australia, overshadowed by Christian Pulisic's early exit. For now, it's an undisclosed leg injury (not necessarily ankle). Team spokesman said he's being assessed. More to come. www.nytimes.com/athletic/671...

Mauricio Pochettino first heard the quote from Chick-fil-A's chairman, over breakfast in Georgia earlier this year. Last week, it was posted in the USMNT's meeting room, handwritten by Poch himself. "Culture eats strategy for breakfast." Poch tells @theathletic.com the story behind his message:

The Weston McKennie dilemma:

Last month, amid losses and negativity, Mauricio Pochettino told his USMNT players to "keep calm." He essentially told us, the media, to chill with the overreactive, "bullshit" criticism. He was right. Piece from Austin last night: www.nytimes.com/athletic/670...

FIFA sold them the "Right To Buy" 2026 World Cup tickets. Now, some fans feel "taken advantage of," "pissed," "ripped off." Story on the uproar surrounding a first-of-its-kind World Cup scheme, RTBs, @theathletic.com: www.nytimes.com/athletic/670...

News: 2026 World Cup "variable pricing" is already off and running. Prices increased slightly (~5%) for at least nine games after the very first day of sales. Sure seems like demand is high, despite the backlash: www.nytimes.com/athletic/669...

Outside of USMNT camps, Mauricio Pochettino hardly communicates with players. It's a stark departure from the Berhalter era, but there's a method to the apparent madness. w/ @paultenorio.bsky.social, inside Pochettino's strategy and silence: www.nytimes.com/athletic/667...