USMNT drew England in the World Cup around two big UK events

Unless you’re a loyal follower of the United States Men’s National Team, you might not have known today is the day the USMNT and every other 2022 World Cup participant learned their fate for the upcoming tournament. The World Cup draw went down earlier today and the Americans were paired in the group stage against our very first rival, those stinkin’ redcoats from England.

Iran and a potential run-in with Ukraine, undoubtedly a fan favorite for the entire world, are also in the United States’ group.

GROUP B
United States
England
Iran
Scotland/Ukraine/Wale

Now for our purposes, let’s tie this into Big Blue Nation’s plans.

USA vs. England is the day before Kentucky vs. Louisville

If the USMNT playing England wasn’t already exciting enough, they were given the day after Thanksgiving for their World Cup head-to-head. That’s the day before Kentucky versus Louisville in football in Lexington.

How’s that for a Thanksgiving weekend?

The group stage winner plays the same day as Kentucky-Michigan in London

Add another scheduling conflict to Kentucky Basketball’s London trip later this year. Not only is it the same day as the SEC Championship, but now London’s O2 Arena is up against the World Cup.

Whatever country emerges from Group B, the Round of 16 for that team is scheduled to play again on Sunday, December 4, to move forward in the knockout stage of the tournament. If it’s England, the favorite to win the group, there will be approximately zero locals attending Kentucky-Michigan in London. The city of London won’t even know Kentucky Basketball is in town. Will there be 300 people there? 200?

Bring it, England

Of most importance, let’s beat England.

U-S-A. U-S-A.