It’s here! The 2018 World Cup begins today in totally not corrupt Russia, with the opening match, Russia v. Saudi Arabia, beginning at 11:00 this morning. A riveting matchup such as that is not to be missed! There are previews, bracket challenges, and fantasy games galore for this edition, though I think it’s too late to join most of the ones FIFA’s put together. Justin Sayers and Gabe Hauari at the Courier Journal put together a complete schedule, plus a map of all the bars showing the games here in Louisville. If your local watering hole doesn’t have the games on in the mornings, shame them and ask them how they can sleep at night without that sweet World Cup action.

Let’s do some links:

• Speaking of World Cups, the bid book for the 2026 version held here in North America is available online, and includes projected host cities and ticket prices.
• What if America’s worst athletes played soccer?
• Oh, hey, some USL matches were on last night, one of which was a Bethlehem Steel draw in Cincy while down a man.

The World Cup is here! Just take a couple weeks off work, no one will miss you.