Jason Longshore (@longshoe.bsky.social)

Saliba’s Confidence, Clarke’s Milestone, and Africa’s Final Push: Morning Espresso, 10.9 The race to the 2026 World Cup heats up around the world — and we’ve got it all covered on today’s Morning Espresso, brought to you by Oglethorpe University, Atlanta’s premier undergraduate learning experience and soccer powerhouse. In Europe, Scotland boss Steve Clarke reaches a milestone while trying to guide his nation back to the World Cup for the first time since 1998 — and he’s doing it with Katy Perry in the same Glasgow hotel. France defender William Saliba says Les Bleus fear no one as the countdown to 2026 continues. Across Africa, Cape Verde edges closer to a historic first qualification, Ghana all but seals its spot, and Egypt celebrates behind a Mohamed Salah brace. Asia’s contenders tighten up, with Patrick Kluivert’s Indonesia fighting for survival and Saudi Arabia closing in on another World Cup berth. Plus: Manchester United’s Women’s Champions League debut, ownership changes in Spain and the NWSL, and tributes to Boca Juniors legend Miguel Ángel Russo. ☕ The world’s game never sleeps — and neither do we. 🎧 Morning Espresso on the SDH Network — Around the Corner from Everywhere. https://www.spreaker.com/episode/saliba-s-confidence-clarke-s-milestone-and-africa-s-final-push-morning-espresso-10-9--68075833