Soccer Parradigm #1

Soccer Parradigm is a collection of topics explored in detail by Deportes Nation founder Alex Parra. For its first edition, this series kicks off with the focus on the 2026 FIFA World Cup one year out from the tournament coming to the North America.

World Cup 2026 – The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to open on June 11, 2026, with Group A matches in Mexico City and Guadalajara. The first match set at NRG Stadium in Houston is set to kick off on June 14, 2026. This week, the FIFA World Cup 26™ Houston Host Committee will present the 1-year out celebration with updates and attended by dignitaries including:

• John Arnold, FIFA World Cup 26 Houston Host Committee Chairman
• Chris Canetti, FIFA World Cup 26 Houston Host Committee President
• John Whitmire, Mayor of Houston
• Rodney Ellis, Harris County Commissioner, Precinct 1 
• Carlos Bocanegra, US Men’s National Team Legend 

Houston we are one year away from the World Cup! ¿Listos?

Youth Soccer in Houston – The Houston youth soccer landscape is fractured. There are many reasons for this reality, and I will attempt to analyze these in future columns. Recently, overtures led by the Houston Dynamo / Dash professional organization have provided a forum for the uniting of Houston youth soccer club leadership. These efforts have brought together heads of clubs with the simple agenda of communicating and with the hope of finding common ground. There is much work to be done and many obstacles to overcome but this initiative is a good first step.  Will keep you updated on progress.

Coach Fredy Sanguinetti – One of the legends of Houston area soccer has been appointed as the new Varsity Men’s Soccer Coach at Second Baptist School.  Coach Sanguinetti has done it all and is still motivated to lead young players in their journey. I caught up with Coach Sanguinetti and he was excited about the latest chapter in his journey. He told me that “Joining Second Baptist School is a true privilege. From my very first interactions, I’ve felt a deep sense of community and purpose. The warm welcome and support I’ve received speak volumes about the character and culture of this school. I look forward to making a meaningful impact, helping students grow both in the classroom and on the field. It’s inspiring to be part of a school that not only pursues excellence but does so through a Christ-centered mission that shapes leaders and lives. I’m grateful to my family, Mrs. Northrup, Mrs. Farias, Mr. Lane, Mr. Harrison, Mr.  Walker and all the personnel team, for the opportunity to grow alongside this incredible community.” ¡Felicidades Profe!

World Cup Benefits – Speaking of the Houston 2026 World Cup effort, the Grow the Game subcommittee working with the FIFA World Cup 26™ Houston Host Committee and chaired by South Texas Youth Soccer (STYSA) President Charles Rotramel, has been hard at work focusing on ways that the World Cup can leave a legacy for the sport in Houston and Southeast Texas. Part of the challenge in growing the game in Houston is the lack of field space required to add new players.  The Grow the Game subcommittee has engaged all four Harris County Commissioners in the process of identifying new field space and renovating existing field space and the commissioners have voiced their support. Once fields are identified, which is expected later this year, interested clubs will be engaged to structure usage, organization and create opportunities to increase participation.  This is one of the benefits that the World Cup will bring to Houston.

USL W in Texas – The USL W League’s Southern Conference, Lone Star Division is comprised of 5 teams based in Texas.  One of those teams, Challenge Soccer Club is led by Coach Pat O’Toole who continues leading the way in our sport in the Houston and Southeast Texas area.  For Coach O’Toole, the priority is to “help kids that are home from college for the summer”.  The Challenge Red Devils team is comprised of athletes who play at the college level like Adysen Armenta (Vanderbilt), Anaiyah Robinson (Tennessese), Savannah Knight (Sam Houston) as well as younger players like Brielle Hernandez an ’09 who has represented the U-16 Mexican National Team. The Combination of experienced college level players and younger high school aged players is not only beneficial for the players but forms an attractive and competitive level of play for all of us to watch. Challenge SC play their home games at the Woodlands Christian Academy and the regular season runs through the end of June. Go and support the best of Women’s Soccer.