{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Sounding Off on Soccer with John Krysinsky","title":"Sounding Off on World Cup 2026: Spain’s Reign, Messi’s Farewell & A Fitting Finale for Mike DeCourcy","html":"<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless src=\"https://share.transistor.fm/e/a983f45a\"></iframe>","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":2276,"description":"Putting a Bow on World Cup 2026 with USBWA Hall of Famer Mike DeCourcy\nThe 2026 FIFA World Cup is in the books, and on this final post-mortem episode, John Krysinsky brings back Mike DeCourcy (The Sporting News) -- who was there -- to break down Spain’s 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina at MetLife (NY/NJ) Stadium. \nMore than just a World Cup recap, this episode celebrates a monumental milestone: Lat Sunday's final was Mike’s last official event as a full-time sports writer and columnist for The Sporting News after 37 years of Hall of Fame journalism. \nJohn and Mike discuss:\n• The growing soccer culture and jersey-wearing youth in the U.S.\n• Nuance in evaluating the USMNT's World Cup performance\n• Spain's \"Billie Eilish\" quiet brilliance on the pitch\n• Lionel Messi's final World Cup curtain call and staggering legacy\n• Mike's reflections on his 37-year career, his Point Park University roots, and the emotional text from FIFA that sealed his retirement assignment.\nTIMESTAMPS:\n00:00 - Introduction & Celebrating Mike DeCourcy’s Legacy\n26:10 - The Generational Shift in U.S. Soccer Culture\n29:06 - Re-evaluating the USMNT: Historic Firsts vs. Belgium Disappointment\n30:08 - The Aging Core Ahead of World Cup 2030\n32:03 - Press Box Reflections: Spain’s Victory & The \"Billie Eilish\" Metaphor\n34:08 - The FIFA Credential Text: The Moment Retiring Hit Home\n36:12 - 37 Years of Journalism, Point Park Roots, and Gratitude to Readers\nRead Mike's retirement feature and World Cup coverage on The Sporting News.\nFollow John Krysinsky on Twitter/X: @JohnKrysinsky\nFollow Pittsburgh Soccer Now: @PghSoccerNow\nIf you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a 5-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/kkhsdsv30OCfc_M73OxdoLtC7Pvevq5VCsWv-bJuBGE/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9zaG93/LzMxMTQxLzE2NjU4/NTQ0MDktYXJ0d29y/ay5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}