World Cup Confessions, Tartan Army Magic & NFL in London | Andy Kerr | Ep 237

Mac Engel of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram is fully converted — the 2026 FIFA World Cup has won him over, and he sits down with British sports broadcaster Andy Kerr to break down everything from England's tournament chances to the legendary Tartan Army taking over South Beach. The two dig into the expansion to 48 teams, the flaws in American youth soccer development, the lasting impact of Brexit, and whether the NFL could ever plant a franchise in London. If you love soccer, sports culture, or just want a great transatlantic conversation about the world's game coming to America, this episode delivers. 00:00:00 - Welcome & World Cup Conversion Mac Engel admits he was wrong about his World Cup cynicism and shares his experience attending three matches as both fan and media. 00:02:37 - Introducing Guest Andy Kerr Mac Engel previews his conversation with British sports broadcaster Andy Kerr, covering topics from England's national team to Brexit and Ted Lasso. 00:05:18 - The 2026 World Cup as a Host Event Andy Kerr shares his initial impressions of the United States as a World Cup host, praising the atmosphere, stadium crowds, and quality of football. 00:06:20 - Pre-Tournament Negativity & the 48-Team Format Mac Engel and Andy Kerr discuss the pre-tournament criticism over ticket prices and debate whether expanding to 48 teams is the right call for the sport. 00:13:44 - England's World Cup Expectations & the Dallas Cowboys Curse Andy Kerr breaks down the eternal hope and inevitable heartbreak of being an England fan, drawing a parallel to the Dallas Cowboys. 00:18:05 - The Tartan Army Takes Over South Beach Mac Engel and Andy Kerr celebrate the Scottish fans' incredible World Cup party culture and what it would mean for Scotland to reach the knockout stage. 00:21:23 - Scotland, Ireland & England: History and Rivalry The conversation turns to the complex historical and sporting relationship between Scotland, Ireland, and England, including a potential England vs. Scotland knockout clash. 00:23:58 - Youth Soccer Development: US vs. Europe Mac Engel and Andy Kerr compare American and European player development systems, debating pay-to-play culture, academy structures, and the importance of results vs. development. 00:30:09 - The State of Soccer in the United States Andy Kerr offers an outsider's perspective on how far American soccer has come, contrasting the women's and men's games and the challenge of competing with four dominant US sports. 00:33:13 - The Death of Street Football & the Rise of Coached Play Both discuss how organized, formal training has replaced spontaneous street play globally, and what that means for creativity and flair in the modern game. 00:38:19 - Ted Lasso, American Coaches & British Stereotypes Andy Kerr reflects on the popularity of Ted Lasso in England and whether American coaches get a fair shake in European football. 00:40:04 - Brexit & the Cost of Living in the UK Mac Engel asks Andy Kerr how Brexit has affected everyday British life, leading to a broader conversation about rising costs on both sides of the Atlantic. 00:44:11 - An NFL Franchise in London: Dream or Pipe Dream? Mac Engel and Andy Kerr debate the feasibility of a permanent NFL team in London, weighing fan enthusiasm in the UK against the logistical and scheduling challenges for the league. 00:50:10 - Wrapping Up & Farewell Mac Engel thanks Andy Kerr for his time and wishes Scotland luck in their must-result match against Brazil.