![Bruce Arena (Scuffed (USMNT & World Cup)): "It was a poorly pieced together group of players in that four-year cycle [leading up to 2018]. We..."](https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/781df036-09af-48b5-9624-40e3a4bacf60/30431637-472d-4170-b9f0-1e47fbec2b16/3000x3000/1528497195artwork.jpg?aid=rss_feed)
Source: Scuffed (USMNT & World Cup) — #673: Bruce Arena joins the pod
Duration: 24 min
USMNT 2018 World Cup failure
It was a poorly pieced together group of players in that four-year cycle [leading up to 2018]. We felt that we could have replaced half the roster.
World Cup 2026
The World Cup has expanded to 48 teams, which is going to make some games in group play ridiculous, in my opinion. They're easily getting out of group play. I don't see any issues there. They'll be in the round of 32. Likely they'll go to the round of 16. Then the big boys show up, and we'll find out what's happening.
MLS growth
After this World Cup, there are going to be players from all over the world that want to play in MLS. This is going to be a league where the top players in the world want to be here.
Player development
U.S. Soccer shouldn't be involved in college soccer. If you want to be a professional soccer player, be a professional soccer player. Don't go to college.
USMNT coaching
Most successful countries in the world in our sport, the national team coach is a citizen of that country. I think there's a lot of advantages to being a domestic coach.
MLS roster rules
I don't think we should be a league that's totally dominated by international players.
College sports/NIL
I don't like [the current state of college athletics]. It's pay me, play me, and if you don't play me, I'm leaving. And I think that's crazy. When you hear all of this stuff today, you don't hear anything about education.
USMNT history
It was ridiculous that that [handball] call wasn't made [against Germany in 2002]. It was so clear and obvious that you would think that a referee or the linesman could be aware of that handball.
USMNT player quality
I'd like to have Pulisic and McKinney. If you can get them for me, I would appreciate that.
Player scouting
I think [Nikos Kyrus] has a little bit of Carlos Gil in him... and he also reminds me a little bit of Marco Etcheverry. He's a player with a lot of potential.
