Now What? Looking Ahead to the Next Year in International Soccer

If you're like me, the end of the World Cup is a bittersweet moment.  As much as I anticipate the final, it means the end of another cycle and a couple of months without international footy until the next cycle's proceedings get underway.

But fear not because there is plenty to look forward to over the course of the next 12 months for fans of the international game.  Here's a brief overview, along with some winner predictions just for the heck of it:


Summer/Fall 2010

USMNT friendlies

The Yanks will take on Brazil in August at New Meadowlands Stadium in their first match since the World Cup.  According to reports, they will then take on Poland in October, again in the New York area (though I don't think this has been officially confirmed yet).  These matches could mark the debut of a new manager or the return of Charlie Davies, and playing in the country's biggest media market could help the USMNT build on the mainstream popularity it gained in South Africa. Regardless, these should be a nice couple of tests to get the 2014 cycle started.


Euro 2012 Qualification

Qualification for Euro 2012 gets started in September, with 51 teams battling it out for 14 spots.  Poland and Ukraine qualify automatically as co-hosts, while Spain will look to defend their continental title by first getting out of a group that includes the Czech Republic and Scotland.


2010 Caribbean Championship

Okay, so this might not be the most exciting tournament on the horizon, but it does serve as qualification for the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup.  The preliminary rounds start in August, with the final stage taking place in Martinique in November.  The top four finishers will move on to next summer's Gold Cup.

Winner prediction: Trinidad and Tobago


2012/13 Africa Cup of Nations Qualification

Qualification for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations gets underway just a handful of months after the conclusion of the 2010 edition.  With CAF switching their continental tournament from every even year to every odd year after 2012, this process takes on even more importance, as it doubles as qualification for the 2013 tournament in Libya as well.


2018/22 World Cup Hosts Announced

December 2nd.  Mark your calendars.  And sign the petition while you're at it: http://www.gousabid.com/



2011

2011 UNCAF Nations Cup

Much like the Caribbean Championship, this tournament might not exactly excite you, but it will determine five of the 12 participants for next summer's Gold Cup.  Defending champions Panama will host.

Winner prediction: Costa Rica


2011 AFC Asian Cup

Whether or not FIFA chooses their World Cup bid at the end of this year, Qatar will get the chance to host a major international tournament with the Asian Cup in January.  The field of 16 features all four AFC World Cup participants, defending champions Iraq, and AFC Challenge Cup winners India.

Winner prediction: South Korea


2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup

Whoever is at the helm by the time 2011 rolls around will have their first real test of the cycle in the form of the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup.  With regional pride and, more importantly, a spot in the 2013 Confederations Cup at stake, the Yanks will hope to replicate the unbeaten run that earned them the title back in 2007.

Winner prediction: United States


2011 Copa America

Next July, the 2011 Copa America will take place in Argentina, with all 10 CONMEBOL teams reportedly being joined by invitees Japan and Mexico (the latter of which will send their Olympic squad).  There were some rumblings that a new policy would keep teams from participating in other confederations' tournaments, but for now it seems as if Copa America will be made up of its usual 12 team field with two outsiders.

Winner prediction: Argentina

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That should be plenty to get you through the next year.  After that, believe it or not, 2014 World Cup qualification will get underway, with the modest South Pacific Games doubling as OFC qualifiers at the end of next summer.