United vs Morocco... And the winner is...

USA (and Canada), USA!, USA (and Mexico)!  Politics took a back seat to cash as for the first time, all FIFA eligible members voted on the next host of the World Cup, this one an expanded 48-team event in 2026 (not in the winter!).  134 of the 199 (of 211) nations cast their ballot for "United 2026" with Morocco still managing to get an impressive 65 votes.  USA (and Canada and Mexico) had gotten the vote fast-tracked but Morocco still was able to sneak in on the eve of the deadline. 

The good news is Canada will automatically qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1986 (assuming they don't get in 2022) and the USA won't have to recycle Sampson/Bradley/Arena/Klinsmann as coach to save qualifying in 2025.  Mexico will continue to qualify and continue to not make it past the Round of 16 which it has done since 1990.

With 44 entries, we may actually get close to our record 75 set last time in 2014.  Hmmmm...  Remember, the deadline is 8 am PDT Thursday!  I may not get to check for errors so I will be emaing some of you if you accidentally filled out the Round of 16 bracket incorrectly.  No worries!