The World Cup Draw Gets The Guest Expert Treatment

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If you missed the World Cup Draw, or if you gave up because it was 100 hours long, I’m bringing in the big guns — sportswriter, Aston Villa FC superfan and author of “Messi Mania,” Luis Miguel Echegaray — to brief you. The Draw is the kind of event that you’d be forgiven for thinking, how should I say, “leaves a lot to be desired”? But Luis helps us dig a little deeper, uncovering some of the cultural gems we can expect to enjoy on and off the field next summer at the World Cup.

OB: What are your biggest on-pitch takeaways from the draw?

LME: I think firstly it's very important to remember that this upcoming men's World Cup has 48 teams…the largest ever in tournament history. There are multiple “Groups of Death” and many challenging fixtures, including Brazil against Morocco and Portugal against Colombia. I am paying attention to Group I (France, Norway, Senegal, and the winner of Iraq — Bolivia or Suriname). 

But the opening match is also one to watch because France kicks things off at MetLife Stadium against Senegal, and both these nations have such a deep and complex history due to France's colonization of the West African country in the 17th century until independence in 1960. 

OB: What are your biggest cultural takeaways for the draw?

LME: There are some incredible stories for this World Cup, beginning with Cape Verde. The archipelago from Africa's west coast has a population of around 600,000, similar to Milwaukee, and after Iceland in 2018, it became the second smallest country to reach a World Cup until Curaçaco entered the chat….[who is the] smallest nation to ever play in the World Cup. There’s more people in Washington Heights. 

Finally, Argentina and Portugal are on the same side of the bracket meaning that IF they win their respective groups and continue to advance in the knockout rounds, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will face each other in the quarterfinals. If that's not the biggest selling point for a "Last Dance" narrative, I don't know what is.

OB: Which nations will feel like they're playing home games on US soil thanks to the local diaspora communities?

LME: As a Peruvian, two-time immigrant and Latin American who has called the U.S. home for a very long time, I think a big theme for this World Cup is that for many South and Central American nations, they will feel like the home team. México have all their group games at home…Even when they play in the U.S, they will have a tremendous amount of support. And Colombia, for example, has the largest South American immigrant community in the U.S. In their final game of Group K, they face Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo in Miami Gardens and let me tell you something, I predict that the atmosphere will be one of the best you'll see at the World Cup. 

OB: Who is your dark horse team?

LME: One is Morocco, and to be honest, I don't even see them as "dark horses" because the Atlas Lions are the real deal. The other one is Japan, who are also on a tremendous path because theirs has been a 30-year project in the making. 

OB: How do you feel about the USMNT's prospects in the tournament?

LME: It was a GREAT draw for the United States men's national team as they have Paraguay, Australia, and the winner of Türkiye, Romania, Slovakia, and Kosovo — so all of these matches are very winnable and in fact, if the U.S. don't win the group, I think it would be massive disappointment. For now, the USMNT should feel very optimistic heading into the World Cup! With games in LA and Seattle, the atmosphere should be fantastic. 

OB: Which city will put on the best show?

LME: A tough question! But I think Mexico City will be a beautiful place to kick things off…I love CDMX so much. It's full of vibrant energy and the food is some of the best you'll experience anywhere. Toronto will be another great city to watch matches. In the U.S, I think Miami will be a tremendous festival.

I had the pleasure of interviewing personalities, athletes, and the tastemakers at the OffBall25 x Nike event this weekend. If you weren’t there for our inaugural event where we honored those making an impact in sport and fashion, don’t ever let that happen again. Trust me.

The drinks were flowin’, the fits were giving, the queue was long. All the signs of a good party. Plus, I got to talk to people like John Wall, and Precious Achiwua, Evan Turner, Speedy Morman, and Joy Taylor. My favorite conversations were with Don C and Roman King aka half of our very prestigious OffBall25 style board. 

Actually, my favorite interview was Evan Turner, but that’s due to my own Portland-based biases. Also, because he really buttered me up. Anyway, you could have spoken to them, too, if you were there, but as we established, you hate yourself. Let’s work on that in 2026. 

Thank you to Nike, who powered all of OffBall25. They’ve been a great partner since our inception, and we were proud to work on this with them. And here’s to A’ja Wilson, for being the best possible cultural MVP we could have asked for, and for inspiring so many, and changing the game each and every day. 

Don’t miss this event next year. Chalk the plane ticket up to self-care.