Jeff Rueter
@jeffrueter
Soccer correspondent @theguardian.com || In Los Angeles for the World Cup || Putting the "bi" in byline 🏳️🌈
2018: Deschamps 2022: Desrunnersup 2026: Desconsolationfinalist (respectfully)
"The plan? Use dynamic pricing to mark up Argentina tickets, but make sure all their knockouts go 120' so fans leave feeling like they got bonus value"
Flying home tomorrow after 40 nights on the road, 11 matches, and 6 cities! The honor of my career to cover this World Cup for @us.theguardian.com. Rest to come after the final - thank you for reading and listening along!
The official lineups have confirmed a shocker: Belgium will kick off with Jérémy Doku and Kevin De Bruyne on the bench. Oh, and Folarin Balogun starts for the USA.
Both of these - pushed by the FIFA Media App - redirect to X, which feels about right.
What’s a guy to do when he’s suddenly eligible for tomorrow’s World Cup game? Begin in the center of the rondo.
Vibes are immaculate, always shoot your shot kids. This has become the World Cup of worldies.
Media tribune (outdoor press seating) has been such a breath of fresh air at this World Cup. Awesome atmosphere at ____'_ Stadium in Santa Clara. Full @us.theguardian.com squad here today alongside Alex and Pablo.
If there was ever a game where bringing Cole Palmer off the bench would genuinely give England's opponent something to think about, it's the one where they left him at home.
Mauricio Pochettino rejected claims that the USMNT is favored to win. Bosnia and Herzegovina coach Sergej Barbarez disagreed. “Well, look, of course they are favorites. … we never had a problem with being an underdog. This word doesn’t mean anything to me. It’s important what happens on the pitch.”
Hello from San Jose, where the USMNT is training ahead of tomorrow’s Ro32 date with Bosnia and Herzegovina. There’s been a helicopter looping around for 10-15 minutes now as we wait for players to come out. Anyone know if John Herdman has a pilot’s license?
Caught the Paraguay-Germany shootout after landing in San Jose. What a World Cup it's been.
.@OptaJeff: 90+x’ - Every Round of 32 game in World Cup history has been settled by a stoppage-time winner. Blockbuster.
The very first round of 32 match in World Cup history, starring Relebohile Mofokeng and Liam Millar.
Fox LA viewers have seen enough: the United States has this World Cup in the bag.
Every criticism of hydration breaks is warranted and valid, but it’s creating gigs for local musicians, and I suppose that’s a noble if unintended consequence.
I’ve been blown away by @futi.live’s efficiency and sheer depth of data available during World Cup games. Already citing it in articles with regularity. A must-download if you’re following the tournament.
Now caffeinated, McKennie has joined the press pack ahead of training.
Arrived at USMNT training in Irvine to a golf cart’s horn blaring behind me as Weston McKennie drove his teammates to the cold brew pop-up at the media hub. “It’s a drive-thru.”
No sleeve on Pulisic’s left calf today, he’s jogging with the full group in warmups.
Back in Inglewood today for my fifth game: Belgium-Iran. A considerable number of Mexico jerseys in attendance to support their temporary neighbors. Big one in a wide-open Group G, with Egypt and New Zealand as today’s nightcap.
Joined the rest of my colleagues at @sport.theguardian.com in sharing our first impressions of the 2026 World Cup. www.theguardian.com/football/202...
Today’s office for USMNT versus Australia. Up since 3:30a, but can’t be convinced I’m not still dreaming. Kickoff at the top of the hour from (Redacted) Field in Seattle. Follow along with our live blog! www.theguardian.com/football/liv...