10 soccer predictions for the new year
10 soccer predictions for the new year
Here's a look at what could happen in 2023
Happy new year!
If the urge every December is to look back and reflect, then January is all about looking ahead.
It’s only natural to want to speculate on what could happen in 2023. There will be a lot of soccer to be had this year. Some of the dates to circle on your calendar are the start of the MLS season (Feb. 25), Champions League final (June 10) and the Women’s World Cup (July 20-Aug. 20).
Here are 10 predictions for this year:
10. Croatia is finally rewarded with a trophy
The UEFA Nations League may still not get lots of respect, but it is a trophy to play for a year ahead of the European Championship. The semifinals feature a fearsome foursome (say that three times fast) in Croatia, Netherlands, Spain and Italy. All these teams (with the exception of Italy) played at the recent World Cup. It could be the tournament where veteran midfielder Luka Modric finally lifts a trophy for his nation.
9. Arsenal captures the Premier League (and Europa League, too!)
The English club has gotten off to a wonderful start in the Premier League. Despite an injury to striker Gabriel Jesus, the Gunners, coached by Mikel Arteta, have the talent and skill to win their first domestic title since 2004. And yes, look for them to take the Europa League crown as well this spring. That’s how good they are.
8. Manchester City finally wins the Champions League
Man City has never won a Champions League, but this could very well be the year Pep Guardiola’s stacked side breaks the trend and wins its first UCL.
7. Erling Haaland smashes scoring records
You can’t talk about Manchester City without mentioning star striker Erling Haaland. The Norwegian has been a scoring machine since joining the club last summer. While we have yet to fully see what the month-long World Cup break will do to his form, I expect Haaland to score at least 35 Premier League goals this season.
6. Mexico won’t make the Gold Cup final
The CONCACAF Gold Cup is set up for regional heavyweights the United States and Mexico to meet in the championship game. Nonetheless, I could see a scenario where the U.S., but more importantly Mexico, fail to make it to the title game. Mexico — following a disastrous World Cup — are a team in need of a new manager and major rebuilding. That process could end up taking more time than expected.
5. U.S., Mexico and Canada will be invited to the 2024 Copa America
All indications are that the 2024 Copa America will include the 2026 World Cup trio of co-hosts given that they aren’t playing qualifiers and need to take part in competitive matches. The United States could even end up hosting the tournament as a dry run for the World Cup.
4. Cristiano Ronaldo becomes an ambassador for Middle Eastern soccer
It was during the World Cup that Ronaldo was dropped by Manchester United, paving the way for him to sign a blockbuster deal with Saudi club Al-Nassr. The move to Saudi Arabia will help Ronaldo remake his image as an ambassador for the sport and to grow the game in the Middle East, which has become increasingly attractive to FIFA following Qatar’s successful World Cup.
3. Juventus scandal uncovers widespread corruption
It may be 2023, but it will feel a lot like 2006. That was the year the Calciopoli scandal erupted around Italian clubs seeking favorable referees to officiate Serie A matches. This time, Italian prosecutors charge that nine clubs, including Juventus, increased capital gains by allegedly inflating player transfer values. At most, team officials could face suspensions (even prison sentences), further weakening the Italian game in the process.
2. Philadelphia Union wins MLS Cup
The Union, a team highlighted by an abundance of youth players, have been one of the most dominant teams in MLS the past few years. Despite losing in a dramatic final last November to Los Angeles FC, expect Philadelphia to power its way to an MLS Cup.
1. There will be a new Women’s World Cup champion
The United States captured the Women’s World Cup in 2015 and 2019. Winning back-to-back titles was a monumental feat. I don’t see a three-peat happening, especially with teams like England and Canada surging when it comes to player development.
These are my predictions for 2023. You have any of your own? Share them in the comments sections below.