Henry Bushnell
@henrybushnell.bsky.social
FIFA is selling parking spots (exact location: unknown) at 2026 World Cup games for between $75 and $175 — more than the price of some actual match tickets at previous World Cups.
@theathleticfc.bsky.social:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
@theathleticfc.bsky.social:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
FIFA’s next 2026 World Cup cash cow: Exorbitant parking prices
If you're paying to park at 2026 World Cup matches it'll cost you more than some match tickets at previous editions of the tournament
www.nytimes.com
November 10, 2025 at 4:07 PM
FIFA is selling parking spots (exact location: unknown) at 2026 World Cup games for between $75 and $175 — more than the price of some actual match tickets at previous World Cups.
@theathleticfc.bsky.social:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
@theathleticfc.bsky.social:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
Gio Reyna has played fewer club minutes this year than any other USMNT player.
Hasn't scored or created a goal since January.
For months, the rule was: "Players need to perform."
Now, Mauricio Pochettino makes an exception for "a special player":
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
Hasn't scored or created a goal since January.
For months, the rule was: "Players need to perform."
Now, Mauricio Pochettino makes an exception for "a special player":
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
Gio Reyna’s USMNT return a ‘special situation’ that mixes Pochettino’s message
For months, Mauricio Pochettino has preached how all players need to earn their USMNT places. Gio Reyna is the exception to his rule
www.nytimes.com
November 6, 2025 at 8:12 PM
Gio Reyna has played fewer club minutes this year than any other USMNT player.
Hasn't scored or created a goal since January.
For months, the rule was: "Players need to perform."
Now, Mauricio Pochettino makes an exception for "a special player":
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
Hasn't scored or created a goal since January.
For months, the rule was: "Players need to perform."
Now, Mauricio Pochettino makes an exception for "a special player":
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
Gio Reyna is back.
(and, for the first time, in a USMNT camp with Sebastian Berhalter...)
Roster analysis with @paultenorio.bsky.social:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
(and, for the first time, in a USMNT camp with Sebastian Berhalter...)
Roster analysis with @paultenorio.bsky.social:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
USMNT roster shock: Reyna recalled, McKennie among many regulars omitted
www.nytimes.com
November 6, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Gio Reyna is back.
(and, for the first time, in a USMNT camp with Sebastian Berhalter...)
Roster analysis with @paultenorio.bsky.social:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
(and, for the first time, in a USMNT camp with Sebastian Berhalter...)
Roster analysis with @paultenorio.bsky.social:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
Reposted by Henry Bushnell
It may surprise you but Lionel Messi has a soft spot for American soccer — and its future
With @paultenorio.bsky.social ⤵️
With @paultenorio.bsky.social ⤵️
Lionel Messi ended all speculation by signing a new deal to stay in Miami.
But the decision to extend is about more than just his playing days.
@paultenorio.bsky.social and @felipecardenas.bsky.social have the details behind Messi's decision to extend his stay ⬇️
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
But the decision to extend is about more than just his playing days.
@paultenorio.bsky.social and @felipecardenas.bsky.social have the details behind Messi's decision to extend his stay ⬇️
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
October 27, 2025 at 2:17 PM
It may surprise you but Lionel Messi has a soft spot for American soccer — and its future
With @paultenorio.bsky.social ⤵️
With @paultenorio.bsky.social ⤵️
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:
🏝️ 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:
The USWNT just gave its worst performance under Emma Hayes. What went wrong against Portugal?
For the first time in her 17 months in charge, Hayes watched her players try to solve problems as individuals rather than as a collective.
www.nytimes.com
October 24, 2025 at 12:23 PM
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:
🏝️ 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:
Reposted by Henry Bushnell
In Austin, I sat with #USMNT legend Landon Donovan to talk about his openness with a big vulnerability and the unexpected reward of sharing his hair journey with the public.
“We’re just people struggling, trying to figure it out and doing the best we can,” he said.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/672...
“We’re just people struggling, trying to figure it out and doing the best we can,” he said.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/672...
Landon Donovan’s new hair, and the side effect he wasn’t expecting
The USMNT great has been a trailblazer in the mental health space, but even he wasn't expecting the reaction to his latest public journey
www.nytimes.com
October 21, 2025 at 2:27 PM
In Austin, I sat with #USMNT legend Landon Donovan to talk about his openness with a big vulnerability and the unexpected reward of sharing his hair journey with the public.
“We’re just people struggling, trying to figure it out and doing the best we can,” he said.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/672...
“We’re just people struggling, trying to figure it out and doing the best we can,” he said.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/672...
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...
- 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...
USWNT’s Alyssa Thompson on her Chelsea move: ‘I was expecting it to be more scary’
The 20-year-old winger chose the challenge abroad in an attempt to grow as a player and person
www.nytimes.com
October 21, 2025 at 9:39 PM
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...
- 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...
Reposted by Henry Bushnell
Took a first crack at a #USMNT 2026 World Cup roster with @henrybushnell.bsky.social.
Had the hardest time picking depth in midfield and deciding if Yunus Musah would play his way back into the team.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/672...
Had the hardest time picking depth in midfield and deciding if Yunus Musah would play his way back into the team.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/672...
26 for 2026: USMNT World Cup roster projection after October friendlies
Plenty can – and likely will – change over the next seven months, but here's how we see the USMNT World Cup squad after the latest camp
www.nytimes.com
October 16, 2025 at 2:40 PM
Took a first crack at a #USMNT 2026 World Cup roster with @henrybushnell.bsky.social.
Had the hardest time picking depth in midfield and deciding if Yunus Musah would play his way back into the team.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/672...
Had the hardest time picking depth in midfield and deciding if Yunus Musah would play his way back into the team.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/672...
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:
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:
With college soccer ‘at risk,’ U.S. Soccer pushes for overhaul – but not without resistance
Promotion and relegation could be part of radical plans to overhaul American college soccer
www.nytimes.com
October 16, 2025 at 2:09 PM
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:
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:
Reposted by Henry Bushnell
Loved the mentality from USMNT's Chris Richards last night after the Christian Pulisic injury:
"They’re lucky it was a friendly, I was ready to go. And if (the ref) didn’t give me a s*** yellow.. I probably would’ve killed somebody.”
From @henrybushnell.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/671...
"They’re lucky it was a friendly, I was ready to go. And if (the ref) didn’t give me a s*** yellow.. I probably would’ve killed somebody.”
From @henrybushnell.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/671...
Jason Geria didn’t try to injure Christian Pulisic but says Australia up for a fight vs. USMNT
The Australian defender's physical play left Pulisic injured, but insisted it was not intentional
www.nytimes.com
October 15, 2025 at 12:12 PM
Loved the mentality from USMNT's Chris Richards last night after the Christian Pulisic injury:
"They’re lucky it was a friendly, I was ready to go. And if (the ref) didn’t give me a s*** yellow.. I probably would’ve killed somebody.”
From @henrybushnell.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/671...
"They’re lucky it was a friendly, I was ready to go. And if (the ref) didn’t give me a s*** yellow.. I probably would’ve killed somebody.”
From @henrybushnell.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/671...
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...
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...
USMNT 2, Australia 1: Wright scores twice but Pulisic hurt in friendly win
www.nytimes.com
October 15, 2025 at 3:08 AM
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...
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...
Reposted by Henry Bushnell
Last week, USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino posted a cryptic photo on social media about culture.
@henrybushnell.bsky.social has more on how Chick-fil-A’s chairman inspired Pochettino’s "culture" message ⤵️
www.nytimes.com/athletic/671...
@henrybushnell.bsky.social has more on how Chick-fil-A’s chairman inspired Pochettino’s "culture" message ⤵️
www.nytimes.com/athletic/671...
October 14, 2025 at 11:07 PM
Last week, USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino posted a cryptic photo on social media about culture.
@henrybushnell.bsky.social has more on how Chick-fil-A’s chairman inspired Pochettino’s "culture" message ⤵️
www.nytimes.com/athletic/671...
@henrybushnell.bsky.social has more on how Chick-fil-A’s chairman inspired Pochettino’s "culture" message ⤵️
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:
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:
How Chick-fil-A’s chairman inspired Mauricio Pochettino’s ‘culture’ message to USMNT
"The team culture, the team togetherness, is stronger than any individual," USMNT midfielder Brenden Aaronson said.
www.nytimes.com
October 14, 2025 at 1:29 PM
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:
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:
Reposted by Henry Bushnell
The Weston McKennie dilemma:
USMNT, Mauricio Pochettino have a (good) Weston McKennie dilemma
Weston McKennie, back with the national team, relishes freedom but finding a slot for him is tricky.
www.nytimes.com
October 12, 2025 at 1:41 PM
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...
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...
Mauricio Pochettino preached calm amid USMNT negativity. His team just proved him right
The perception of the head coach and his team's readiness for the World Cup has been helped by two solid performances
www.nytimes.com
October 11, 2025 at 2:53 PM
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...
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...
Reposted by Henry Bushnell
Folarin Balogun shined and got a deserved goal to equalize Enner Valencia’s superb first half finish in #USMNT’s 1-1 draw with Ecuador.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/670...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/670...
USMNT 1, Ecuador 1: Balogun’s deserved goal; Valencia’s moment of brilliance
The USMNT took on a tough South American opponent, played well and got the goal to show for it in a promising overall performance
www.nytimes.com
October 11, 2025 at 2:39 AM
Folarin Balogun shined and got a deserved goal to equalize Enner Valencia’s superb first half finish in #USMNT’s 1-1 draw with Ecuador.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/670...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/670...
Reposted by Henry Bushnell
Thousands of fans used the FIFA Collect platform to purchase digital collectibles that came with the 'right to buy' (RTB) actual World Cup tickets.
Now, after values of RTBs collapsed and details of how it all works emerged, many fans feel 'ripped off.'
✍️ @henrybushnell.bsky.social
Now, after values of RTBs collapsed and details of how it all works emerged, many fans feel 'ripped off.'
✍️ @henrybushnell.bsky.social
Fans bought the ‘right to buy’ 2026 World Cup tickets. Now they feel ‘ripped off’
Fans were left disgruntled as details of the connection between FIFA collectibles and World Cup game tickets emerged
www.nytimes.com
October 10, 2025 at 3:24 PM
Thousands of fans used the FIFA Collect platform to purchase digital collectibles that came with the 'right to buy' (RTB) actual World Cup tickets.
Now, after values of RTBs collapsed and details of how it all works emerged, many fans feel 'ripped off.'
✍️ @henrybushnell.bsky.social
Now, after values of RTBs collapsed and details of how it all works emerged, many fans feel 'ripped off.'
✍️ @henrybushnell.bsky.social
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...
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...
Fans bought the ‘right to buy’ 2026 World Cup tickets. Now they feel ‘ripped off’
Fans were left disgruntled as details of the connection between FIFA collectibles and World Cup game tickets emerged
www.nytimes.com
October 10, 2025 at 2:42 PM
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...
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...
Reposted by Henry Bushnell
Darlington Nagbe decided over the summer that 2025 would be his last season in MLS. He stayed quiet about until today.
Nagbe, and those closest to him, spoke to The Athletic about his decision and the emotional conflicts of his announcement.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/669...
Nagbe, and those closest to him, spoke to The Athletic about his decision and the emotional conflicts of his announcement.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/669...
Darlington Nagbe retires: An understated star with an impeccable reputation
Nagbe is retiring after a distinguished, trophy-laden career in MLS, and those closest to him paint a picture of a revered superstar
www.nytimes.com
October 7, 2025 at 2:45 PM
Darlington Nagbe decided over the summer that 2025 would be his last season in MLS. He stayed quiet about until today.
Nagbe, and those closest to him, spoke to The Athletic about his decision and the emotional conflicts of his announcement.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/669...
Nagbe, and those closest to him, spoke to The Athletic about his decision and the emotional conflicts of his announcement.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/669...
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...
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...
2026 World Cup price jumps kick in early, with FIFA raising costs amid high demand
The effects of variable pricing are already being felt on the World Cup ticket market
www.nytimes.com
October 6, 2025 at 11:37 PM
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...
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...
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...
For Mauricio Pochettino, communication void with USMNT players is a feature, not a bug
It's been common over the last year for USMNT players to hear little from Mauricio Pochettino outside camps. In fact, it's by design.
www.nytimes.com
October 6, 2025 at 4:22 PM
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...
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...
Reposted by Henry Bushnell
#USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino and his staff have taken a different approach to communication: they don't talk much to players outside of camp.
It has a purpose. With @henrybushnell.bsky.social, a deep dive on Poch wanting players to talk with their play:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/667...
It has a purpose. With @henrybushnell.bsky.social, a deep dive on Poch wanting players to talk with their play:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/667...
For Mauricio Pochettino, communication void with USMNT players is a feature, not a bug
It's been common over the last year for USMNT players to hear little from Mauricio Pochettino outside camps. In fact, it's by design.
www.nytimes.com
October 6, 2025 at 2:44 PM
#USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino and his staff have taken a different approach to communication: they don't talk much to players outside of camp.
It has a purpose. With @henrybushnell.bsky.social, a deep dive on Poch wanting players to talk with their play:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/667...
It has a purpose. With @henrybushnell.bsky.social, a deep dive on Poch wanting players to talk with their play:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/667...
Reposted by Henry Bushnell
NEW: FIFA are charging BOTH resellers & buyers a 15 per cent fee on its official 2026 World Cup ticket resale platform, which launched Thursday and almost immediately had some tickets listed for tens of thousands of dollars.
Story with @henrybushnell.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/668...
Story with @henrybushnell.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/668...
World Cup ticket resale madness begins as FIFA takes two 15% fees on each sale
www.nytimes.com
October 3, 2025 at 8:28 AM
NEW: FIFA are charging BOTH resellers & buyers a 15 per cent fee on its official 2026 World Cup ticket resale platform, which launched Thursday and almost immediately had some tickets listed for tens of thousands of dollars.
Story with @henrybushnell.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/668...
Story with @henrybushnell.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/668...
2026 World Cup ticket prices are (much) higher than:
🏆 all previous World Cups
🥇 all Olympics
🔮 projections in the 🇺🇸🇨🇦🇲🇽 bid
⚽️ Euros, Champions League & more
Only real comparison: the NFL and Super Bowls.
A piece placing WC prices in context:
🏆 all previous World Cups
🥇 all Olympics
🔮 projections in the 🇺🇸🇨🇦🇲🇽 bid
⚽️ Euros, Champions League & more
Only real comparison: the NFL and Super Bowls.
A piece placing WC prices in context:
Booming World Cup ticket prices outstrip everything except the Super Bowl
The 2026 World Cup final could be the single most lucrative match in soccer history.
www.nytimes.com
October 2, 2025 at 6:06 PM
2026 World Cup ticket prices are (much) higher than:
🏆 all previous World Cups
🥇 all Olympics
🔮 projections in the 🇺🇸🇨🇦🇲🇽 bid
⚽️ Euros, Champions League & more
Only real comparison: the NFL and Super Bowls.
A piece placing WC prices in context:
🏆 all previous World Cups
🥇 all Olympics
🔮 projections in the 🇺🇸🇨🇦🇲🇽 bid
⚽️ Euros, Champions League & more
Only real comparison: the NFL and Super Bowls.
A piece placing WC prices in context: