Valair Shabilla
@valair
🇮🇶🇺🇸 Journalist covering soccer in the US and beyond. @kickbacksoccer.bsky.social | @sixonefivesoccer.com | @pharmasoccer.bsky.social
This stadium looks weird with red. It’s pretty full in here, maybe 80-90%. Overwhelmingly Liverpool, as expected.
Sunderland announce squad for US tour. Liverpool - Geodis Leeds - SI Wrexham - Subaru WC stars including Brobbey, Diarra and Sadiki will join July 26. Xhaka, Talbi, Alderete and Meunier will not travel to the US. Ta Bi was denied a visa, but the club is hopeful he'll join soon
World Cup 2026 was a dream come true in a professional and personal sense. Covering the games with colleagues from around the world was special. Getting to attend Iraq games with friends & family meant everything to me. I am forever grateful to everyone who helped me get here.
🚨 New Signing Nashville SC sign Elias Saad on loan from FC Augsburg through the Sprint season (May 2027). Born in Germany, Saad represents Tunisia internationally and started two World Cup games in 2026. His experience spans the German pyramid, including amateur and futsal.
Nightmare FIFA planning and road closures meant that we didn’t get in until the 10th minute. Nonetheless, we hear and it is absolutely packed!
Argentina and England have a long history on and off the pitch. I did my best to summarize it in two minutes, but I am barely scratching the surface. Should be a great semifinal! #WorldCup #Argentina #England
A packed watch party 30 minutes before kickoff here at Geodis Park. Nashville SC have hosted free watch parties for every USMNT match this World Cup. Should be a fun one!
INSANE start from Canada, they’ll be kicking themselves if they can’t get a goal here. Proper chaos soccer, which is expected obviously. It’s probably going to backfire any minute tbh
“I never thought they were going to beat us.” Anthony Gordon praises his teammates and talks about team spirit after the win against DR Congo. #England
Some thoughts on the US hosting the World Cup and what it means for the sport. #WorldCup
FIFA Fan Festivals reach two million visitors across the 13 cities. Mexico City, Monterrey and Guadalajara had the most visitors, almost totaling in one million alone. Other cities had capacity crowds as well. #WorldCup
Vibes here are not as hype as Cabo Verde, but this is still an insane building and occasion.
I am still upset, but this moment will live with me forever. First World Cup goal in 40 years and I was there for it.
“I didn’t have the chance to go to the locker room because of you guys.” 😂 🇨🇻 Steven Moreira says he loves Atlanta and knows the stadium well because he plays for the Columbus Crew.
Back in my favorite press box. Not just because of the food, but that helps as well 😂