Total Soccer Show: USMNT, Champions League, EPL, and more ... An 18-month MLS season, AFCON in the USA, the merits of the Europa League, and more | Take It or Leave It
Dec 18, 2025
The hosts dive into the debate over an 18-month MLS season versus a traditional sprint. They explore the complexities of hosting AFCON in the U.S. and its implications for African football. The discussion also highlights challenges faced by coaches like Wilfried Nancy transitioning from MLS to high-pressure environments like Celtic. The panel favors the chaos and excitement of the Europa and Conference Leagues over the Champions League. They even compare Kai Havertz's scoring potential against Viktor Gyökeres, landing on an unexpected favorite!
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18-Month Season Beats Three-Month Sprint
- An 18-month MLS season solves the sprint-season awkwardness by providing continuity and a fuller home/away schedule.
- Graham and Ryan argue it better reflects team quality than a three-month sprint season that will be quickly forgotten.
Make The Sprint Season A Unique Cup
- Treat any transitional sprint season as a distinct, entertainment-focused competition rather than a full equivalent season.
- Use rivalries and novel knockout formats to make a short season feel meaningful and fun instead of rushed and forgettable.
AFCON Belongs In Africa
- Hosting AFCON in the U.S. would privilege commercial and competitive needs over African football's prestige and fans.
- Speakers argue moving AFCON off-continent would betray African supporters and face logistical and visa obstacles.